ECP TO PROVIDE LEVEL PLAYING GROUND TO ALL POLITICAL PARTIES AND CONTESTING CANDIDATES

ELECTION COMMISSION OF PAKISTAN


Islamabad, the 14th November 2012.-        “The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) will provide level playing ground to all the political parties and contesting candidates to ensure fair, transparent and credible elections as elections are not only vital for the democracy but also for the stability of the country ”, this was stated by Mr. Ishtiak Ahmad Khan, Secretary ECP in a meeting with the  participants of the              12th Senior Management Course (SMC) of National Institute of Management, Karachi, who visited the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on their inland study tour here today.

Mr. Ishtiak Ahmad Khan said that a survey has been conducted regarding establishment of permanent polling stations and after approval of the ECP, the list of these permanent polling stations will be shared with political parties inviting suggestions/complaints thereon. Later on, it will be placed on ECP’s website to eliminate the possibility of any changes at eleventh hour and to keep the voters informed about the location of their concerned polling stations.

The Secretary informed the participants that Code of Conduct for the political parties and candidates has already been finalized and sent to the political parties on    7th October 2012 to seek their valuable feedback latest by October 22, 2012.  He further said the participants that the said Code will be implemented in letter and spirit and any violation thereof, will be dealt strictly which could entail disqualification of the candidates as well. The President, Governors, Prime Minister, Ministers and Advisors etc. have been barred from visiting any constituency during any election and announcing any developmental scheme etc. after announcement of election schedule, he added.


“For the upcoming elections several steps have been taken to ensure honest and credible elections that include: result management system for making the result compilation process fast, a comprehensive voters’ awareness campaign, establishment of District outreach and Security Committee, and setting up permanent Election Tribunal for quick disposal of election disputes in day to day hearing within 120 days, delegation of magisterial powers to the presiding officers for three days.” he informed.
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The Secretary said that after great struggles; one person, one CNIC and one vote has been ensured as computerized Electoral Rolls-2012, based on NADRA’s CNIC’s database and using the CNIC number as unique identifier, have been finally prepared. Now, there is no possibility of missing a name of any CNIC holder or registration of name at two places. Thus it has also eliminated the possibility of impersonation as these Electoral Rolls will have photographs of all the voters and thumb impression of all the voters casting his/her vote will also be obtained by the presiding officers using magnetized ink.

Earlier, a detailed presentation was given by Mr. Muhammad Afzal Khan, Additional Secretary ECP to the participants on the vision and mission, role and responsibilities, composition, legal frame work and status of the ECP.  He said the participants that under Article 220 of the Constitution of Pakistan, all executive authorities are bound to assist the Chief Election Commissioner and the ECP in discharge of his or its duties.

Mr. Muhammad Afzal Khan also highlighted the main features of the Voter Education Plan that is being carried extensively for the first time in the history of ECP. The Plan will mobilize potential voters at grass root level and for this purpose district offices of the ECP are being used as hubs of voter education. He further informed that voter turn out is expected to be increased from 44% to 88% by involving all quarters of life including political parties, media, civil societies, religious leaders, educational institutions, art councils, youth and women organizations etc.

On a query, the Additional Secretary told the participants that the voters can very easily get his/her voting detail by sending his/her CNIC number to 8300 and in case of any complaint, all the district offices of the ECP are open seven days a week to resolve the complaints about registration of vote, correction of particulars or objection about any entry therein till the announcement of election schedule.  The participants were also informed that a special, non-market paper is being used for preparation of ballot papers during the upcoming elections and special security features will also be incorporated in printing these ballot papers to prevent the possibility of counterfeiting ballot papers.

The delegation was headed by Mr. Tauqir Ahmad, DG, National Institute of Management and accompanied by other faculty members. The participants appreciated the steps taken by the ECP for ensuring free, fair and transparent election in the country and hoped that the coming elections will be historic in the history of Pakistan.
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