By-polls: Public holiday in Lahore on August 22

A notification has been issued by the Lahore DCO.

LAHORE: The district administration of Lahore has announced a public holiday on August 22 on account of the upcoming by-polls, Express News reported on Wednesday

The District Coordination Officer (DCO) Lahore has also issued the notification.

The by-polls are being held in 42 constituencies in total. The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has already identified 38 of 262 polling stations as sensitive.

Army has been deployed at different polling stations for security measures. The officer in-charge of the army, Rangers and FC in a constituency will also have similar powers but only on the polling day. The commission has also issued SOPs for use of these powers.

Cell phones are also banned inside the polling station. Those carrying cell phones would have to submit it to the presiding officer and then take it back after they have cast their vote. The step has been taken to discourage the trend where some contestants purchase votes and ensure that these are cast in their favour. The voter is asked to take a picture of the ballot paper after making the vote stamp as evidence.