ECP begins issuing postal ballots for Feb 8 polls

Lahore: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has started the procedure of providing postal ballot papers for the upcoming general elections on Feb 8,2024.

According to ECP, all qualified individuals will complete the procedure of casting their votes through the postal ballot paper by January 22. They can download the application form for the postal ballot from the official website.

By receiving the postal ballot, the voter will send his vote to the District Returning Officer (DRO) as per the given time. The ECP's preparations are at its height with the electoral body to make sure the foolproof arrangements across the country.

To ensure foolproof security measures for the polls, the ECP issued its "Code of Conduct for Security Personnel", informing them not to be bias while being on election duty.

The ECP's decorum, which excludes the Armed Forces and Civil Armed Forces, instructs the Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs) to perform their duties according to the law and within the confines of the mandate reserved to the police.

Security personnel who will provide security for the printing and transport of ballot papers along with the polling bags will perform their duties under Article 220 of the Constitution of Pakistan, Section 5 read with Section 193 of the Election Act, 2017.

Directing the security apparatus to coordinate with DRO, returning officers (ROs) and presiding officers (POs), the electoral body has endorsed the need for LEAs to remain impartial and neutral throughout the election process and shall not act in favor of or against any political party or candidate in any manner whatsoever.

Underscoring the importance of ensuring a peaceful and transparent polling procedure, the ECP has warned security personnel against disallowing a voter to cast vote.