DRO reveals polling blueprint

In anticipation of the upcoming general elections slated for February 8, 2024, the Rawalpindi District Returning Officer (DRO) has prepared a polling scheme for the upcoming general elections for seven national and 14 provincial assembly seats throughout the district.

The development comes on the heels of the DRO seeking verification certificates from the head of schools as per the standard operation procedure, confirming the availability of required facilities including, furniture, water, washrooms, electricity, safe rooms and security in the respective school buildings designated for polling.

Further, it has been directed to submit these reports and certificates within 24 hours following which these certificates and reports will be sent to the Election Commission of Pakistan. About 1,243 polling stations have been declared sensitive in the district.

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These letters have been issued by the DRO to the in-charges and heads of all government schools, colleges, universities, dispensaries and government buildings where polling stations have been set up. In instances where the designated facilities are lacking, the education department has been directed to swiftly organize and provide the necessary amenities in government buildings and schools.

Moreover, the polling scheme for seven national and 14 provincial seats of the Rawalpindi district has also been prepared. Details about the polling scheme have also been pasted in which details of polling stations and booths have been given and objections have been sought immediately from the voters, citizens and candidates.

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A total of 2,671 polling stations and 6,936 polling booths will be set up for the polling of national and provincial assembly seats in Rawalpindi district. There will be 989 polling stations for male and 964 for female voters in addition to 718 joint polling stations.

Similarly, 3,463 polling booths for male and 3,473 for female voters will be set up where 2,671 presiding officers and 13,872 assistant presiding officers will perform their duties. Furthermore, as many as 6,936 polling officers and 2,671 office attendants will also be available for assistance. Their presence aims to assist voters and maintain the integrity of the democratic exercise.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 7^th, 2024.