PS-114 by-poll: ECP requests paramilitary force to make security arrangements

Calls out NADRA for failure to provide data to use biometric system in voting process


Our Correspondent July 05, 2017
Electioneering in PS-114 is in full swing, with the election scheduled for July 9. PHOTO: Express

KARACHI: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has written to the Rangers to provide security inside and outside the polling stations during the upcoming by-elections in PS-114.

"In view of the prevailing law and order situation as well as the request made by the returning officer, the election commission in exercise of powers under Article 220 of the Constitution, has desired that Rangers may make necessary security arrangements to assist the election commission in conducting the polls in a free, fair and transparent manner by deploying adequate force inside and outside the polling station on July 9," the letter read.

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The services of Pakistan Army troops will also be required in the said constituency, the letter read. "A member of army or Rangers deputed under this order shall act under the Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997 and designated officers of Rangers and army can exercise powers of first class magistrate on the polling day, taking action against people who violate the code of conduct," the letter said.

Around 27 candidates, belonging to various parties or independent groups, are contesting the elections in PS-114. According to the election commission, there are a total of 92 polling stations and majority of them are either sensitive or most-sensitive.

"There are a total of 193,892 votes registered in the constituency where 92 presiding officers, 368 assistant presiding officers and 368 polling officers will perform their duties," the spokesperson for ECP said, adding that 368 polling booths will be set up, 184 each for women and men.

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"We have yet to receive the security plan," District Presiding Officer (DRO) Ali Asghar Sial told The Express Tribune.

"Not a single polling station is normal. In this situation, the government makes extraordinary measures to conduct polls in a fair and free manner," he said.

Among the 27 candidates, the tough contest is expected to be among Pakistan Peoples Party Senator Saeed Ghani, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf's Muhammad Najeeb Haroon, Muttahida Quami Movement's Kamran Tessori and Pakistan Muslim League - Nawaz candidate Ali Akbar Gujjar.

ECP can't use biometric system in by-poll

It was previously announced that the bio-metric system would be used as a "pilot project" in the constituency, but the ECP announced on Tuesday that it can not use the machines as the National Database Registration Authority (NADRA) has yet to provide ECP with the biometric data.

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In a press statement issued on Tuesday, the election commission's spokesperson said that they repeatedly asked NADRA to give them biometric data of PS-114 so that the newly-purchased machines can be used for voting purposes, but it has all been in vain.

"On June 14, we purchased 100 biometric machines so that we could use them in by-polls and review their progress. After this election, we were supposed to submit a report before the parliamentary committee of the National Assembly," the spokesperson said, adding that they have done their work and informed the federal interior secretary, but NADRA has not given them the proper data, including thumb impressions and pictures of the voters.

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