Safety, transport plans set in motion

Preparations for the upcoming general elections are in full swing, with orders issued for the implementation of the specially devised security and transportation strategies.

The election, scheduled for February 8, necessitates the completion of all arrangements five days prior to ensure a peaceful and transparent process. Aside from a strong security plan, transportation has to be arranged for Returning Officers’ (RO) conveyance to and from the polling stations.

Adhering to the Election Commission of Pakistan’s (ECP) directives, the Regional Transport Authority (RTA) has proactively organised 80% of the required transport facilities.

The ECP has disseminated guidelines to provincial election commissioners, district returning officers (DROs) and returning officers (ROs) across the country, as well as key officials in the federal capital and other provinces, fostering coordination among the departments.

Read  ECP issues guidelines for elections

The guidelines emphasise the formation of a committee, led by the DRO and comprising the district election commissioner, deputy commissioner, or a nominated officer, and the relevant RO. This committee is tasked with overseeing the transport needs for polling staff and election equipment leading up to and on the election day. Each polling station will be allocated a vehicle for logistical purposes.

Flexibility is allowed in establishing multiple polling stations in one building, with the ability to link them on a single transportation route. Security measures include the appointment of security personnel for each polling station and disciplinary action for those neglecting their duties under Section 55 of the Elections Act, 2017.

On election day, the RO must record transport details, drivers’ information, and contact numbers of staff. Ensuring the safety and capacity of assigned vehicles is also emphasised. It is further stated that the vehicles assigned should be checked for safety and have enough capacity to fulfil election day requirements.

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Finalisation of transportation and security plans, at least five days before the election, is crucial. The plans will be shared with the provincial election commissioner, who will submit them to the Central Control Room and ECP secretariat.

The Punjab chief secretary, additional secretary of the home department and IGP have instructed relevant authorities to implement plans according to the provided guidelines.

Similarly, Regional Police Officer Syed Khurram Ali and CPO Khalid Hamdani have communicated the required arrangements to district police officers and divisional SPs.

RTA Secretary Muhammad Rashid affirmed that 80% of the required arrangements have already been made, and vehicles will be handed over to the ROs, with the ECP handling rent payments.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 3^rd, 2024.