Thousands of young men and women exercised their right to vote for the first time in their lives during the general elections in Karachi, indicating the turnout to be huge. The polling stations across all districts witnessed enthusiastic participation from young people aged 18 and above. Some were accompanied by their parents.
Intermediate student Samina Ahmed, who voted at the Siraj-ud-Daula College polling station, could not hide her excitement. "Casting my vote was a lifelong dream come true," she said and prayed for the prosperity of the country, regardless of who comes to power.
Sisters Humera and Sumera, casting their votes at the Dukhtaran-e-Awam School in DHA, highlighted the importance of using their right to choose wise leadership for the nation. Salman Ahmed, another young voter, stated that voting is a national duty, emphasising the need for youth to prioritise education.
Several young voters highlighted the need for electoral reforms, advocating for modernising the process to align with technological advancements.
Apart from the youth, elderly people and special needs voters also turned out in good numbers to cast their votes. Some expressed concerns about the lack of facilities for senior citizens and requested separate polling booths. Many special needs people faced challenges due to inaccessible voting places, urging the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to strategise for a hindrance-free voting experience.
Security personnel were observed facilitating the elderly and special needs people, receiving prayers and gratitude in return.
Similarly, women took the lead at various polling stations in Karachi, outnumbering men during the general elections. In Central, Eastern, Korangi, and East districts, women were seen arriving early to cast their votes, with minimal male presence.
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Rehana, a housewife at the APWA School Liaquatabad polling station, said that she decided to vote while others were still asleep, emphasising the significance of this national duty.
Higher numbers of female voters were reported in the morning at the Rana Home Economics College polling station.
Women across different polling stations expressed optimism about elected representatives addressing women's issues, particularly inflation, a major concern regardless of the ruling administration.
A significant number of men and youth were observed casting their votes in the afternoon, taking advantage of the public holiday. Despite the late start, they actively participated in the democratic process, expressing their commitment to national duty.
Supporters of some candidates provided transportation facilities to ferry voters to and from polling stations. Women voters, in particular, utilised this service, often using six or nine-seater rickshaws adorned with party flags. Political parties clarified that this transportation initiative was voluntary and not an official party service.
During the general elections, political parties and independent candidates set up polling camps to guide voters to polling stations, following the Election Commission's code of conduct. Volunteers, both male and female, were present at these camps to assist voters. However, these volunteers lacked sufficient training, resulting in ineffective guidance to polling stations and booths. In the past, parties would send polling cards to voters' homes, facilitating knowledge of voting locations. This time, parties didn't conduct this practice, leading to delays in checking votes and informing volunteers at the camps. Consequently, voters encountered difficulties, with many unable to cast their votes.
Published in The Express Tribune, February 9th 2024.
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