ECP finishes preparation for presidential election

LAHORE: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Monday has completed preparations for the presidential election that will be held tomorrow.

It was reported that polling stations have been set up in all four provincial assemblies in addition to the National Assembly. Moreover, the Chief Election Commissioner Sardar Raza Khan will serve as the Returning Officer.

The ballot papers and other related equipment have also been shifted to the polling stations.

The chief justices of high courts will serve as the presiding officers during the poll.

It was further reported that the name of Pakistan People’s Party candidate Aitzaz Ahsan is on the top of the ballot paper, while Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf candidate Arif Alvi is on the second position and Jamiat-e-Ulema (F) chief Maulana Fazal-ur-Rehman’s name is printed on the third place.

A code of conduct for the presidential election has also been issued and the members of both National and provincial assemblies are directed not to carry their mobile phones with them while casting their votes.

Earlier, the CEC directed all the presiding officers that secrecy of the ballot is ensured during the presidential election.

According to official instructions, “Members of the National Assembly (MNA), provincial assemblies or Senate will be not be allowed to take any electronic devices inside the premises.”

“No photos should be taken and those voting should maintain secrecy,” he had said.

In the presidential election, 706 votes will be cast with 342 MNA’s and 104 senators voting, while the provincial assemblies will have 65 votes each.

ARIF ALVI CONFIDENT OF VICTORY:

Presidential candidate and PTI leader Dr Arif Alvi had expressed the hope of an easy win in the upcoming elections for President of Pakistan.

Addressing a press conference on Thursday after meeting with the leadership of allied parties and PTI, he had said that he would be elected with an overwhelming majority in the presidential elections.

“My priority after winning elections would be the promotion of harmony among the federating units,” Arif Alvi told journalists.

The PTI leader had said his party would address the problems of small federating units, including KP and Balochistan.