ECP designates 50% of polling stations as sensitive

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has designated 50% of polling stations nationwide for the upcoming February 8 general elections as sensitive or highly sensitive.

Out of the approximately 90,675 polling stations established across the country, 46,065 have been categorized as 'sensitive' or 'most sensitive', with 27,628 classified as sensitive and 18,437 as most sensitive, according to ECP sources.

In Punjab, 6,040 polling stations are highly sensitive, while 12,580 are sensitive. In Sindh, 6,524 polling stations are highly sensitive and 6,545 are sensitive.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has 4,143 highly sensitive and 6,166 sensitive polling stations. Balochistan has only 961 normal polling stations out of 5,028, with 1,730 highly sensitive and 2,337 sensitive polling stations.Training of polling staff
The ECP has completed the training of 96% of the polling staff, which includes 970,000 out of a total of 976,000 staff members.

An ECP spokesperson said in a statement that the training for the remaining 6,000 polling staff would conclude within the next four days.

The electoral body has issued special guidelines for the presiding and assistant presiding officers for the general elections across the country to be held on February 8. “As per the guidelines the presiding and assistant presiding officers should reach the respective polling stations two hours before polling time,” an official of the ECP told APP.

Read 101 polling stations declared highly sensitive

He said that the presiding and assistant presiding officers should enter all the information on the ballot paper counters file as per the guidelines issued by the ECP.

Apart from this, put the left thumb of men and the right thumb of women on the counters file of the ballot papers and put the official seal with a specific number on the back of the ballot papers, he said.

He said that a total of 90,675 polling stations have been established in the country for the general polls out of which 25,320 for men and 23,950 for women while 41,405 will be joint polling stations.

The ECP has initiated an inquiry into the clashes and shootings between two political parties in Karachi, as well as the snatching of postal ballots in Swabi district.

Reports have been sought from the chief secretary and IG for possible actions against those involved under election laws.

Initiated on January 16 after the assignment of election symbols by the RO, this task is set to conclude by February 2 in the next four days.

According to an ECP spokesman, the ballot paper printing, carried out in three government press offices, is progressing smoothly.

Commenced on January 16 after the election symbols were assigned by the Returning Officer (RO), this task is expected to be completed by February 2 in the next four days