The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) notified the Polling officials for the appointment of some 36 district returning officers (DROs), 297 returning officers (ROs), and 294 assistant returning officers (AROs) to ensure a smooth and fair election of the Punjab Assembly.
According to the commission, the Polling officials who were nominated from the bureaucracy — would be responsible for the 30th April elections in their respective districts and ensuring that the voting process was conducted in a transparent and unbiased manner.
Also Read: President Arif Alvi announces 30th April as the date of Elections in Punjab
The officials are also responsible for counting the votes and announcing the result.
According to Election Commission, the selection of officials was based on their experience and competence in administration.
“The commission is committed to ensuring that the elections are free, fair, and transparent, and has taken several measures to ensure that the electoral process is conducted smoothly,” the news release issued by the ECP said.
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 electoral process.
It also appealed to all stakeholders to refrain from any activities that could disturb the electoral process.
Remember that the Election commission announced 30th April as the date of the election of the Punjab provincial Assembly. The move comes out after the Supreme Court in its Suo Muto verdict ordered the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to hold elections in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa within 90 days.
The supreme court verdict stated that the Election Commission of Pakistan failed in discharging its role in the election. The announcement of the election date in KP is the responsibility of the provincial governor, while the president has the authority as per law and constitution to fix the election date in Punjab.
The verdict said the announcement of the election in KP by the president was ‘not right’, while he enjoys the right to announce the election date in Punjab, as the provincial assembly was dissolved after 48 hours as the government refused to agree on CM’s advise.
The verdict further stated a consultation to fix the date of elections in Punjab, if they are not possible on 9th April, the date announced by the president. “Article 254 of the constitution will be enforced if the elections are not held within the stipulated time,” the verdict said.
