Several candidates of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), who are contesting local body elections in Rawalpindi, Chaklala, Murree, Taxila and Wah Cantonment boards, are finding it hard to get female polling agents, it emerged on Thursday.
During a survey of different cantonments, it transpired that annoyed and angry political activists have refused to get their female relatives ready as polling agents after they were ignored in making vital decisions and issuing tickets to candidates. After the refusal of party activists, most party candidates have started to engage area women in their respective areas to perform duty as polling agents by paying them upfront money ranging between Rs3,000 to Rs5,000.
It also emerged that several candidates have offered pick and drop facilities and breakfast and lunch to these polling agents on the election day. Sources said that preference was being given to female teachers in this regard and these agents have been called for training for three hours on Fridays and Saturdays.
Read ‘PTI needs no allies for cantonment polls’
The sources added that polling agents have also started booking transport to bring voters from their homes to the polling stations. Candidates have started renting private cars ranging between Rs10,000 to Rs15,000.
Meanwhile, the returning officers of the five cantonment boards of Rawalpindi have issued strict SOPs to ensure transparent and highly peaceful local body elections. All political parties have also assured the strict implementation of the election code of conduct.
Returning officers have banned the setting up of polling camps within 200 meters of polling stations. Rallies, processions, rallies, fireworks and aerial firing have been banned after the results were announced.
In addition, immediate criminal cases will be registered for violation of the SOPs. No voter will be able to enter the polling station without ID cards while no unrelated citizen will be allowed to enter the polling station.
Armed individuals will not be allowed to enter polling stations either.
Closed-circuit television cameras will be installed at all 21 sensitive polling stations to monitor the situation while the additional duty of Rangers.
Moreover, more than 500 buses will be used to transport election-related material for Rawalpindi and Chaklala Cantonment boards’ elections on September 11.
An undertaking regarding the protection of the polling items will be taken.
Read more ECP set to hold cantonment polls
The transport vehicles on-duty will also be given a special ticket to avoid any problem. Sources said that vehicle owners will be given an honorarium for the service.
Cooperation stressed in HCB elections
Candidates contesting the Havelian Cantonment Board (HCB) elections have been asked to cooperate with the administration on the day of polling.
Briefing the candidates of HCB at Havelian police station, Abbottabad SP Ishtiaq Khan said that candidates should demonstrate political and democratic behaviour during the polling day.
The police officials said that the district administration will take all possible measures to conduct peaceful elections on September 12. Khan said that the implementation of the code of conduct issued by the Election Commission of Pakistan to make the political process transparent and peaceful was a must.
“The implementation of a code of conduct would also require the cooperation of all political parties and the candidates to prevent any untoward incident on the day of polling,” he said, adding the presiding officer and district administration would be present to address any grievances on the spot.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 10th, 2021.
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