The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has decided to deploy armed forces personnel and rangers for the security of the local government (LG) elections in the third phase of Punjab on December 5.
The decision was taken in a meeting held under the chairmanship of CEC Justice (r) Sardar Muhammad Raza Khan, in order to review arrangements for the third Phase of the LG elections in Punjab, including printing of ballot papers, training of poling staff, logistics and security issues.
During the meeting, the CEC informed the participants that under Article 218(3) of the Constitution, it is the duty of Election Commission to conduct local government elections in Punjab in a free, fair and transparent manner by providing a level playing field to all contesting candidates and political parties.
The Punjab Election Commissioner also briefed the Commission on polling stations/polling booths established for the 3rd Phase, number of contesting candidates for each category and wards, polling staff appointed and trained for this purpose, requirement of Army/Rangers and other security arrangements.
The home secretary and Punjab IG highlighted details about security arrangements and other initiatives/preventive measures, including zero tolerance of any violations of the Code of Conduct, imposition of Section 144, ban on more than five people assembling within 300 metres of polling stations, ban on victory rallies and surety bonds etc.
The DROs of all the twelve districts informed about the arrangements of their respective districts one by one and shared their achievements and problems.
After the detailed briefing, the Commission praised the steps taken by the PEC, the provincial government, and efforts of all DROs. They expressed the hope that the third Phase of LGEs in Punjab will be well organised and more systematic.
The meeting was attended by the members of the election commission, PEC Punjab, home secretary and Punjab IGP, and others.