Fresh youth set to flex voting muscles

First-time voters wield power to tip scales for any political heavyweight

ISLAMABAD:

As the nation goes to ballots in a few days, a wave of fresh energy is about to hit the polling as more than 20 million of youth are set to make their debut in the voting.

Analysts say that the influx of first-time voters has the potential to shape the political landscape, making every vote count and propelling any political party to the coveted seat of power.

The predominant demographic in Pakistan comprises the youth, constituting 64% of the total registered voters, while a recent data from the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) indicates a significant rise in youth voters, reaching 56.86 million from 46.43 million in 2018.

This surge, amounting to an increase of 10.42 million within approximately six years, puts this demographic behind the game-changer wheel capable of steering the outcome of the upcoming general elections.

Positioned at the nexus of political influence, this dynamic demographic holds the potential to sway the fortunes of any political heavyweight. As contenders vie for power, they zero in on capturing the hearts and votes of this influential group, placing them squarely in the spotlight of the political arena.

Civil society, government and others have long called for educating and encouraging the youth to step out on the polling day and flex their voting muscles.

The first crucial step in this civic journey involves presenting the original national identity card to the polling officer, who cross-checks details against the electoral roll.

Names and serial numbers are announced aloud to the polling agents, and subsequent thumb impressions are taken by an indelible ink mark on the voter's thumb.

As the process advances to the next stage, assistant presiding officers sign and seal the back of the ballot papers. A green-coloured ballot paper is designated for the National Assembly, while a white counterpart is earmarked for a provincial assembly.

Behind the voting screen, voters are tasked with accurately stamping the election mark of their chosen candidate on the respective ballot papers.

The responsibility then shifts to ensuring that the green ballot paper finds its place in the designated ballot box with the matching green lid, while the white ballot paper goes into the box with the white lid.

Before venturing to the polling station, voters are advised to adhere to some crucial instructions. Bringing the original national identity card is imperative, with expired cards also deemed acceptable.

Furthermore, the sanctity of the voting process must be upheld by refraining from bringing mobile phones and cameras into the polling station.

The voting window is set to open at 8 am and conclude at 6 pm. Notably, even after the scheduled polling time concludes, voters within the polling station will still have the opportunity to cast their ballots.