ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Friday issued a notification for the appointment of around 36 District Returning Officers (DROs), 297 Returning Officers (ROs) and 294 Assistant Returning Officers (AROs). To ensure transparent and fair elections in Punjab Assembly.
According to the commission, the election officials – selected from the bureaucracy – will be responsible for monitoring the April 30 elections in their respective constituencies and ensuring that the voting process is conducted in a transparent and impartial manner.
He will also be responsible for counting the votes and declaring the results.
The electoral body stressed that the officials were selected based on their experience and merit in administration.
News release issued by the ECP said, “The Commission is committed to ensuring that elections are free, fair and transparent, and has taken several measures to ensure the smooth conduct of the electoral process. Steps have been taken.”
The Election Commission also urged all political parties, candidates and voters to cooperate with the appointed officials and abide by the rules and regulations of the election process.
He also appealed to all stakeholders to refrain from any activities that could disrupt the electoral process or undermine the integrity of the elections.
‘Not suitable time for polls’
Meanwhile, representatives of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), Intelligence Bureau and Counter-Terrorism Department briefed the Election Commission on security threats and challenges on Friday.
Sources privy to the meeting told JEE News here that all the representatives of intelligence agencies and CTD unanimously pointed out that in view of the fresh wave of terrorism and intelligence reports, now is the time for elections in Punjab and KP. Not suitable, which stated that further terrorist attacks cannot be ruled out.
During the meeting, a suggestion was made by a representative of the intelligence agencies that the elections could be delayed for at least three to four months while the forces deal with terrorism.
Another representative supported the proposal citing the presence of armed militants who had infiltrated the country from Afghanistan and were now in Punjab.
He told the ECP that Pakistan is going through a complex and difficult security situation, which calls for vigilance and care to protect the public. Therefore, he was of the opinion that in this situation, the choice of elections in two big provinces can be very dangerous.
