Election Commission of Pakistan issues strict security guidelines for by-elections

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has issued a comprehensive code of conduct for security personnel deployed in the upcoming by-elections across various provinces. The guidelines emphasize the importance of maintaining neutrality, upholding impartiality, and ensuring a peaceful and transparent electoral process.

Security personnel, excluding armed forces, have been instructed to assist election officers, report irregularities, and refrain from conflicts or interference during the voting and counting processes. The ECP has mandated that arrests can only be made upon instruction from polling staff, highlighting the need for strict adherence to the law.

Law enforcement agencies in Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Balochistan must strictly follow the code of conduct to facilitate fair and peaceful by-elections in 2024. The guidelines outline specific responsibilities for security personnel, including maintaining order at polling stations, ensuring voter safety, and cooperating with election officials.

Furthermore, security personnel are required to conduct thorough checks of voters to prevent the entry of any prohibited items that could compromise the integrity of the polling process. Priority must be given to vulnerable groups such as the elderly, pregnant women, and individuals with disabilities to ensure their smooth voting experience.

The guidelines also stress the importance of transparency during the counting process, allowing only authorized individuals to handle election materials and ensuring a secure environment outside polling stations. Security personnel are reminded to remain impartial, avoid conflicts, and report any irregularities promptly to election officials.

The strict guidelines issued by the Election Commission of Pakistan aim to ensure a fair, transparent, and peaceful electoral process during the upcoming by-elections. By emphasizing the importance of neutrality, impartiality, and adherence to the law, security personnel play a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of the voting process and upholding public trust in the electoral system.