As the anticipated general elections scheduled for February 8, 2024, approach, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has finalized a comprehensive scheme for polling stations, aiming to ensure a smooth electoral process.
With over 92,000 polling stations slated to be established nationwide, this strategic plan is designed to provide detailed insights into the distribution and categorization of polling stations, promoting informed participation and addressing potential concerns well in advance of the election date.
The comprehensive polling scheme is set to be publicly released shortly before the election, offering citizens an overview of the planned polling station distribution across all four provinces and the federal capital.
The categorization includes designations such as normal, sensitive, or highly sensitive, taking into account the security situation and historical incidents of electoral violence.
In Punjab, the most populous province, a total of 52,412 polling stations will be set up for the general elections. Among these, 6,040 have been identified as highly sensitive, while 15,617 are marked as sensitive. Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa will see 15,737 polling stations, with 4,726 categorized as highly sensitive and 6,180 as sensitive. In Sindh, the plan designates 4,718 polling stations as normal, 6,576 as sensitive, and 7,802 as highly sensitive. Additionally, 5,015 polling stations are planned for Balochistan.
The Election Commission has reassured the public that necessary facilities and security arrangements will be in place at the polling stations to ensure a free, fair, and transparent election process. Candidates have been reminded of the legal requirement to conclude their election campaigns by midnight on February 6, as per the Elections Act, 2017. Failure to adhere to this timeline may result in legal consequences for violators of the law.
