ECP could order re-election if women cast less votes: info minister

–Caretaker information minister says members of National Assembly from FATA will also be elected on July 25

ISLAMABAD: Minister for Information, Broadcasting, National History and Literary Heritage Barrister Ali Zafar on Monday said according to law, if women cast less than a certain percentage of the vote in any constituency, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) could order re-election there.

Talking to newsmen here after attending an event, he said rumours had made rounds about delay in elections previously but now everybody believed that the polls would be held. He said there was no apprehension of delay in the general election and fair, transparent and impartial polls would be ensured on July 25.

Ali Zafar said international observers from the European Union and Asian region would be allowed to observe general elections according to the laid down procedure.

ELECTION OF LAWMAKERS IN TRIBAL AREAS:

He said a committee had been working to provide facilities in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) after its merger in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and in that connection, talks were underway with all the stakeholders.

The minister said according to the Constitution, members of National Assembly from FATA would be elected on July 25 while the election for the provincial assembly would be held within one year. Nothing could be done as it was a constitutional requirement, he added.

The minister said the role of media was critical for the stability of democracy and all institutions had to play their role for fair and transparent elections.

He said the caretaker government had brought changes in bureaucracy at the federal level and in provinces for ensuring impartiality of elections. Wherever there would be concern that officers were having an effect on the election and they were supporting or opposing a candidate or were becoming partial then the government would take action on the complaints.

The minister said transparent elections were in the national interest, adding the government would consider applications of observers from various countries.

He said steps were taken for foolproof security at the polling stations. Security would be provided according to the sensitivity of a polling station, he added.