Taking notice of ballot papers being torn at polling stations in the first phase of local government elections in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (K-P), the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has decided to deploy army troops during the second phase of elections and during re-polling.
The ECP heard the case of irregularities at various polling stations in K-P on Wednesday.
During the hearing, a video of ballot papers being torn at polling stations in Peshawar, ballot boxes being broken, polling staff being beaten and polling process being violated by various persons was shown to the ECP. It was also highlighted that three policemen at the polling station were mere spectators while all this happened.
The commission took stern notice of the failure of the provincial government to maintain law and order. It also took stock of the fact that before the local bodies polls, the chief secretary and inspector general of police (IGP) were asked to increase the number of police personnel at the polling stations to ensure peaceful elections.
It was highlighted that the provincial government had assured that at least 8x1 personnel would be deployed at each polling station to maintain law and order, and as per the directions of the ECP, Frontier Constabulary (FC) would also be on duty on election day. The commission also noticed that the police were not deployed as per the plan provided to them,
In view of the gross failure of the provincial government to maintain law and order during the elections and in view of all the circumstances and events, the ECP decided that wherever re-polling takes place or second phase polls are held, police and Pakistan Army would be deployed to ensure that not only peaceful elections are held, but each citizen gets to exercise their voting right without fear.
The commission has also written a letter to the Ministry of Defense in this regard.
Furthermore, the ECP also decided to take necessary legal action against those involved in these incidents.
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