Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) Secretary Ishtiaq Ahmed Khan on Monday said that it is the commission’s jurisdiction to bar any candidate from contesting elections in case he/she has been convicted after trial.
The Supreme Court has not directed the election commission in Asghar Khan case and it has been asked to conduct investigation through the FIA, said the secretary adding it will be the jurisdiction of the election commission to bar any candidate from contesting elections in case he/she has been convicted after trial.
Khan said the ECP is committed to hold free, fair and transparent elections in the country and making every possible preparation for organising impartial general elections.
The secretary was briefing the media after a meeting, presided by Chief Election Commissioner Justice (Retd) Fakhar ud Din G. Ibrahim, held to review the steps and preparations being made for next general elections.
The ECP secretary said that 84.37 million voters have been enrolled so far in the country and 77,000 persons visited the various offices till July 31, headed by AROs established through out the country to check their names in voter list or for any correction purpose.
He said that bye-elections in Bannu and Multan had been already held following the new voters’ list and no complaint has been received regarding it.
The secretary said that no changes are being made in the limitations of constituencies in the country and next general elections will be held following the limitations as it was in the elections of 2008.
He also hinted towards increasing the number of polling stations in Punjab from 37,000 to 40,000, 14,000 to 18,000 in Sindh, 9500 to 11,000 in KPK. Similarly, he said the numbers of polling stations will be increased in Balochistan and distance of polling stations from voters in huge constituencies will be reduced as compared to previous general elections.
He said the chief election commissioner will hold a meeting in Quetta soon to review elections’ related arrangements and ensure conducive environment in the province for this purpose.
The presiding officers will be above than grade-17 and there will be no transfer of any officer given any assignment regarding elections after December 31, the secretary maintained. To a question, he said that person having dual nationality can not contest elections or become member of the parliament. However, he said there is no binding in constitution for dual nationality holder to become leader of any political party.
He said that international observers have been invited through the ministry of foreign affairs while local media will be also facilitated to observe the elections.
Regarding installation of CCTV cameras at polling stations, he said the commission will install cameras only at most sensitive polling stations. Owing to arrangements in Muharram, the secretary said that the provincial governments have requested the election commission for postponing bye-elections. Their request has been approved and bye- elections will be held on December 4 in Punjab as well as Sindh, he maintained.
ECP to distribute ballot papers under army’s supervision
Election Commission Pakistan (ECP) has decided to distribute ballot papers under Army’s supervision. Speaking to reporters, ECP Secretary Ishtiaq Khan informed that the commission has already paid Rs300 million for ballot paper printing. He further mentioned that the ballot papers will be printed like currency notes and will have special security features to prevent duplication. It was earlier reported that printing of ballot papers will start just 15 days before the elections as an added security measure. According to the ECP’s plan, there will be hidden features in the new ballot papers that would change regularly, making it almost impossible to print forged papers. Someone found guilty of bogus voting can be imprisoned for three years according to the law. If it is proven that an electoral candidate is involved in the crime directly or indirectly he would only be disqualified but also banned from taking part in elections for five years. The commission also issued a consolidated Code of Conduct for political parties and candidates during the next general elections.
