ROs complete cantt election staff training
PHOTO: FILE
The returning officers (ROs) have completed the training session for the election staff entrusted with overseeing the smooth organisation of the cantonment elections that are to be held on September 12.
The ROs have also completed educating the candidates of the 19 wards of Rawalpindi Cantonment Board (RCB) and Chaklala Cantonment Board (CCB) about the code of conduct.
In a special session, ROs told the ticket holders of all parties to follow the code of conduct during their election campaigns. The ROs also pointed out the violations spotted on banners and posters, directing the candidates to abide by the regulations. Further, a female candidate of CCB has passed away owing to which the elections will be held in nine wards only.
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The RO RCB, Omar Farooq Ali Malik, informed the candidates that non-compliance with the code of conduct will result in legal action. The ticket holders of different parties assured the ROs of adhering to all rules and regulations laid out by the election commission.
The ROs have provided all necessary equipment for the election process to the presiding and assistant presiding officers. The ballot papers will be handed over to the presiding officers on polling day. The presiding officers have also been given magisterial powers, which will allow them to arrest those interfering in the election process with no warrant.
The presiding and assistant presiding officers and other election staff have been directed to conduct free, fair, and transparent elections. They have been instructed not to issue ballot papers without NIC and to assist observers in reviewing the election process.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 2nd, 2021.