Transgender observers barred from entering polling stations in Peshawar

PESHAWAR: Sporadic incidents have been reported that have hampered the otherwise smooth process of balloting when at least 25 transgender observers were barred from entering polling stations in Peshawar despite being issued cards by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).

The transgender community has informed the ECP of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Police’s behavior, however no action has been taken yet.

Meanwhile, no adequate facilities were provided to assist handicapped and senior citizens in polling stations in the city.

The voting process at UC-73 Peshawar was taking 10-15 minutes per voter while in NA-30 and PK-75, voting has been prolonged by 45 minutes and only 243 out of a total of 2,181 votes had reportedly been cast till 11am.

Peshawar voters took to Twitter to complain about the sluggish pace of polling. Voters claim votes were allegedly mixed up by the polling agents at Government Girls’ Primary School No 3 J-4 Hayatabad for seats NA-30 and PK-73.

There have also been allegations of slow voting process at NA-30 and PK-75 in Peshawar.

Long queues have been seen at multiple polling stations. Ballot boxes are also reportedly visible to polling agents at some polling stations.