ECP extends voter registration deadline till July 20

Karachi: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Thursday extended the voters’ registration deadline for the forthcoming general elections to July 20.

According to a representative for the election commission, citizens can obtain their information by transmitting their computerized national identity card (CNIC) numbers through SMS to the number 8300.

The ability for people to register their votes based on either a permanent or temporary address was also mentioned.

Further, for the registration or transfer of votes, the commission instructed using Form No. 21. It was also stated that Form No. 23 would be used to amend the records and Form No. 22 would be used to file a complaint or cancel a vote.

The official of ECP indicated that any district election commissioner's office could provide the necessary documents.

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) made the decision to strictly scrutinize the returning officers (ROs) earlier in the month as part of its ongoing general election preparations.

Meanwhile, the Election Commission of Pakistan widened the scope of its examination of the ROs and requested informal reports from the relevant authorities and entities. The commission finished compiling the RO lists for the legislatures in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP).

The National Assembly (NA), Sindh, and Balochistan assembly' ROs are now being scrutinized. According to reports, the commission would depute the ROs to finish the inspection procedure, which might cause the deputations to be delayed.

According to the law, the commission must inform the deputy ROs of the general election date two months in advance. The ECP made the decision to speed up the district return officers' (DROs) and returning officers' (ROs') deputations.

During the general elections, separate ROs will be assigned to the NA and provincial assemblies. Following their delegations, the ROs will draft the polling schedules for the affected constituencies. For general polls, ROs will be appointed in 859 constituencies.