ISLAMABAD: As the clock struck midnight on Tuesday, February 6, the bustling electioneering activities for Pakistan’s upcoming General Elections came to a close, marking the end of a spirited campaign season. Candidates vying for seats in the National Assembly and provincial assemblies enthusiastically courted voters until the eleventh hour, in accordance with the electoral laws outlined by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).
According to Section 182 of the Elections Act 2017, all public gatherings, processions, and political activities were prohibited within the constituencies or provinces for a period of forty-eight hours leading up to the polling day. The ECP, through a notification, reiterated the strict adherence to these regulations, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a fair and transparent electoral process.
The commission cautioned that any violation of these regulations would result in legal repercussions, with candidates potentially facing imprisonment or fines as stipulated in Section 183 of the Elections Act.
In adherence to the electoral schedule, campaigning officially stopped at the stroke of midnight between Tuesday and Wednesday, prompting political parties and candidates to wrap up their election activities. The Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) concluded its campaign with a grand rally in Larkana, the ancestral home of the Bhutto family, featuring prominent leaders including Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and Aseefa Bhutto.
Similarly, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) held its final election rally in Khudian, Kasur, with key figures such as Mian Nawaz Sharif, Shehbaz Sharif, Maryam Nawaz, and Hamza Shehbaz addressing the gathering.
ECP Completes Arrangements for General Elections
Meanwhile, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) completed a crucial task by distributing 260 million ballot papers to district returning officers (DROs) across the country. Despite facing logistical challenges, the commission’s staff ensured the timely delivery of voting materials through both ground and aerial means, demonstrating resilience and determination.
Furthermore, the ECP emphasized the importance of a valid national identity card for casting votes. However, the commission allowed citizens with expired identity cards to vote by presenting the original document before election officials.
Meanwhile, the Election Management System (EMS) project director reassured the public about the security measures in place to safeguard the electoral process. He highlighted the creation of a special network adhering to international security standards, with access restricted to authorized personnel only.
With the conclusion of electioneering, all eyes are now set on the polling day, scheduled for February 8, as Pakistanis prepare to exercise their democratic right and shape the future of their nation through the ballot box.
