The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) had enhanced security at all polling stations across the country to ensure free, fair and transparent by-elections, Election Commission of Pakistan Secretary Ishtiak Ahmed Khan said on Thursday.
Talking to reporters, he said the ECPO had tried its best to avoid repeating the mistakes of the general elections.
The by-elections were being held in 41 constituencies of both National and provincial assemblies in a peaceful atmosphere. Personnel of the Pakistan Army had been deployed outside of 2,600 sensitive and inside 1,600 most sensitive polling stations to avoid any attempt of cheating.
Moreover, the presiding officers had been granted the powers of a first class magistrate so that they could punish anyone who tried to disrupt or influence the polling process. Army officers deployed at the polling stations had also been granted the powers of magistrates.
Urging all and sundry to cooperate, Khan said, “Anyone trying to disrupt the electioneering process would be sent to jail after summery trial.”
Now, the focus of the ECP would be shifted towards conducting elections of local bodies and cantonments.
To a question, the ECP secretary said media personnel having accreditation cards would be allowed to observe and report election process from any polling station and they could visit anywhere.