Access vs security: Barriers near polling stations annoy voters
There were more women voters at the polling stations compared to men during the first half of the day
PHOTO: EXPRESS
LAHORE:
Obstacles like razor wire and steel barriers put up for security near polling stations in several areas caused great inconvenience to some senior citizens and disabled voters.
Voters and commuters The Express Tribune spoke to in Allama Iqbal Town, Muslim Town, Township, McLeod Road and Walled City said the obstacles had slowed down traffic in the areas.
Abubakar, a resident of Allama Iqbal Town’s Ravi Block, said police had blocked the main road. He said he had to carry his wheelchair-bound mother an extra 700 yards to reach the polling station at Government Islamia College of Commerce. “This is a peaceful neighbourhood but police have blocked the road using razor wires. Most policemen on security duty are sitting in chairs placed under the trees,” he said. Similar complaints were made by Sheikh Jamil, an elderly citizen who uses a walker to move around. “I understand that providing security is the job of law enforcement agencies but they should make sure that the common man does not suffer too much inconvenience,” he said.
“I am diabetic and have severe pain in my knees. I had to walk nearly half-a-kilometre to cast ballot.” A police official said they had been directed to block the main road for traffic. “There are two polling stations in the area next to each other. Blocking a stretch of the road was necessary to maintain order,” he said.
There were more women voters at the polling stations compared to men during the first half of the day. Many of them complained about the obstacles at and around the polling stations. Most of them said, however, that they had not faced any problems in casting ballots. They said it was uncalled for to stop vehicles half-a-kilometre away from polling stations and force voters to approach the polling booths on foot.
Published in The Express Tribune, November 1st, 2015.
Obstacles like razor wire and steel barriers put up for security near polling stations in several areas caused great inconvenience to some senior citizens and disabled voters.
Voters and commuters The Express Tribune spoke to in Allama Iqbal Town, Muslim Town, Township, McLeod Road and Walled City said the obstacles had slowed down traffic in the areas.
Abubakar, a resident of Allama Iqbal Town’s Ravi Block, said police had blocked the main road. He said he had to carry his wheelchair-bound mother an extra 700 yards to reach the polling station at Government Islamia College of Commerce. “This is a peaceful neighbourhood but police have blocked the road using razor wires. Most policemen on security duty are sitting in chairs placed under the trees,” he said. Similar complaints were made by Sheikh Jamil, an elderly citizen who uses a walker to move around. “I understand that providing security is the job of law enforcement agencies but they should make sure that the common man does not suffer too much inconvenience,” he said.
“I am diabetic and have severe pain in my knees. I had to walk nearly half-a-kilometre to cast ballot.” A police official said they had been directed to block the main road for traffic. “There are two polling stations in the area next to each other. Blocking a stretch of the road was necessary to maintain order,” he said.
There were more women voters at the polling stations compared to men during the first half of the day. Many of them complained about the obstacles at and around the polling stations. Most of them said, however, that they had not faced any problems in casting ballots. They said it was uncalled for to stop vehicles half-a-kilometre away from polling stations and force voters to approach the polling booths on foot.
Published in The Express Tribune, November 1st, 2015.