Authorities to take action against those who bar women voters in K-P

Campaign initiated to increase women participation in upcoming municipal elections

PESHAWAR: Authorities in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) have decided to take action against individuals who bar women from taking part in the polling process in the recently merged tribal districts, Express News reported on Monday.

Election Commissioner Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) Pir Maqbool said ithat this year, along with general elections of 16 seats of the provincial assembly in the tribal areas, municipal elections are also scheduled to be conducted.



A campaign to increase women's participation in the upcoming elections has also been initiated by provincial authorities.

Maqbool added that legal action would be taken against those who try to prevent women from voting in tribal areas. "We can go as far as re-polling in an entire constituency or certain polling station if women are barred from voting."

The provincial election commission has issued a list of constituencies and the voters list. The schedule will be issued after Ramadan.

The tribal areas, merged earlier with the province, will also witness local body polls and other reforms. The provincial government has been asked to establish a governance system before April 30 to ensure the smooth conduct of polls in the region.



Maqbool said the terms of municipalities across K-P is set to end on August 30, and holding elections within 120 days is a constitutional responsibility that the ECP will fulfill.