Quetta: Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja has termed holding free, fair, transparent, and impartial elections as paramount to establishing the best democracy in the country.
Chairing a meeting at the Civil Secretariat in Quetta on Wednesday, he directed to ensure the appointment of an impartial staff that has no political affiliation in the pooling booth.
He further ordered the transfer of the officers on the basis of merit, with no political pressure in this regard.
On this occasion, the Provincial Election Commissioner apprised him that over 5.2 million voters are registered in the province for sixteen seats of the National Assembly and fifty-one general seats of the provincial assembly.
As many as 5,067 polling stations to be established. Of these, 2,038 polling stations are designated as highly sensitive, while 2,068 are categorized as sensitive.
The Chief Election Commissioner instructed the Provincial Election Commissioner to promptly inspect all polling stations in the province.
During the meeting, the Secretary of the Election Commission delivered a concise presentation on the preparations for the upcoming general elections.
*عام انتخابات/ تیاریاں*
— Election Commission of Pakistan (OFFICIAL) (@ECP_Pakistan) October 18, 2023
چیف الیکشن کمشنر آف پاکستان جناب سکندر سلطان راجہ کی زیر صدارت آئندہ عام انتخابات کے حوالے سے سول سیکریٹریٹ کوئٹہ میں ایک اہم اجلاس منعقد ہوا۔ #ECP pic.twitter.com/nqoiNI5BdH
This included updates on the progress of the electoral roll and voter registration. During the meeting, Sharifullah, the Provincial Election Commissioner of Balochistan, provided an overview of the preparations for the general elections and discussed the future steps.
Additionally, the Chief Secretary provided a comprehensive overview of election preparations and compliance with the Election Commission’s directives, pledging to execute all orders accordingly.
The Chief Secretary affirmed that the Balochistan government is fully committed to supporting the Election Commission in the successful conduct of the general elections.
Furthermore, he noted that the provincial government is carrying out personnel transfers and postings in accordance with the directives of the Election Commission.
He additionally assured that polling stations will be adequately equipped with all necessary facilities. During the meeting, the Inspector General of Police in Balochistan mentioned that a security plan has been devised, and the Quick Response Force will maintain a high level of vigilance to address any unexpected incidents, leaving no stone unturned to ensure a peaceful election.
During the event, the Additional Inspector General of Police provided an extensive security briefing and mentioned the establishment of a centralized control room to ensure the peaceful conduct of the election.
Member Election Commission Sindh Nisar Ahmed Durrani, Member Election Commission Balochistan Shah Muhammad Jatoi, Member Election Commission Punjab Babar Hassan Bharwana, Member Election Commission Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Justice (R) Ikramullah Khan, Secretary Election Commission Umar Hameed Khan, Provincial Election Commissioner Balochistan Sharifullah, Chief Secretary Balochistan Shakeel Qadir Khan, Additional Chief Secretary Home Zahid Saleem, Secretary Local Government Dostain Khan Jamaldini, Additional IGP Jawad Dogar, Secretary Finance Babar Khan, Secretary S&GAD Agha Faisal, Secretary Health Asfandyar Khan Kakar, Special Secretary Education Nauman Khan, Secretary Election Cell Local Government Khadim Hussain other officers participated in the meeting.
