Voter detained for filming ballot

FAISALABAD:

The police on Sunday arrested a man for violating election laws by filming his ballot paper during polling and uploading the footage on social media, prompting strong action from the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to protect the secrecy of the vote.

According to a spokesperson from the Provincial Election Commissioner's office, Muhammad Kaleem, resident of Habib Nagar, recorded a video while casting his vote and circulated it online, contravening electoral rules designed to safeguard ballot confidentiality.

The district returning officer (DRO) said that breaching the secrecy of the vote is a punishable offence, and legal action was taken immediately to uphold the integrity of the electoral process. The spokesperson added that the arrest was made on the spot after the voter failed to comply with polling-day regulations.