All set for RCB by-elections today

Official says foolproof security arrangements finalised

RAWALPINDI:

All the arrangements have been finalised for Rawalpindi Cantonment Board (RCB) by-elections which would be held on Wednesday (today).

The Returning Officer (RO) Rawalpindi Cantonment Board (RCB) Ward No. 2 Imran Gulzar on Tuesday handed over election material to the Presiding Officers (POs) for the elections.

The POs concerned received the election material including ballot boxes, seals, polling booths, ink, ballot papers, and other necessary items for the polling stations. The by-elections would be held under the supervision of the RO, Ward No 2 Imran Gulzar, and district Returning Officer.

The election material has been kept in the double lock up in tight security arrangements. The RO directly provided the election material to the POs concerned. Training of polling staff, screens for compartment and seating arrangements for the presiding officers in the constituency had already been completed.

Gulzar said that foolproof security arrangements had also been finalised for the by-elections. The vehicles had also been arranged with the help of the Secretary, Regional Transport Authority to facilitate the polling staff and send election material and election staff to polling stations concerned on the Election Day, he added.

Assistant Commissioner, Cantt who is also Assistant Returning Officer visited different polling stations particularly sensitive and checked all the arrangements. A control room has also been set up in the RCB office where one returning officer would remain present all the time to monitor the elections and polling activities. The RO had decided that public and private educational institutions of Ward No. 2 would remain closed on Election Day.

The authorities concerned were directed to ensure an uninterrupted power supply on the polling day. The security plan and traffic arrangements for the by-elections were also finalized for Election Day.

The RO had instructed the authorities concerned to utilize all available resources for holding by-elections in a peaceful, transparent and impartial manner. He said that strict implementation of the "Code of Conduct" issued by the Election Commission would be ensured in letter and spirit.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 9^th, 2022.