Elections 2024: Pakistan all set to go to polls tomorrow
A comprehensive plan has been devised to ensure security during polling.
ISLAMABAD: The upcoming general elections 2024 in Pakistan are set to take place tomorrow, Thursday, with over 128 million registered voters expected to participate.
A public holiday has been declared by the government tomorrow.
The main contenders are the Pakistan Muslims League-Nawaz (PML-N), the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), and the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) led by imprisoned Imran Khan.
The election process across 90,582 polling stations throughout the country will start at 8:00 am and will continue till 5:00 pm.
According to Election Commission of Pakistan, production of original computerized national identity cards (CNICs) is necessary to cast votes.
“However, people will also be able to cast their votes on the basis of expired CNICs”, according to ECP spokesperson.
A total of nearly 18,000 candidates are vying for 336 seats in the National Assembly and 749 seats in Provincial Assemblies. The election process includes both first-past-the-post for single-member constituencies and proportional representation for reserved seats for women and non-Muslims.
With Punjab having the largest number of voters, this province is anticipated to be a crucial battleground that could determine the outcome of the national election.
Analysts foresee a hung parliament, with no single party likely to secure a clear majority, leading to the formation of a coalition government. This scenario could pose challenges for swift decision-making, particularly as the incoming administration will need to address pressing economic, security, and environmental issues.
INTERNET SHUTDOWN?
Amidst preparations for the elections, there have been discussions regarding a potential internet shutdown on election day.
However, the caretaker government has clarified that any decision to shut down internet services would be based on specific requests from districts or provinces, with no such request reported as of now.
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While there have been temporary restrictions announced for sensitive polling booths in Balochistan, a widespread internet shutdown has not been confirmed.
SECURITY MEASURES
A comprehensive plan has been devised to ensure security during polling.
Police personnel will be on the front, while the contingents of Pakistan Rangers will also be on their toes to back them up.
And in the event of deterioration of law and order situation, Pakistan Army will swing into action.
A monitoring room has been set up and cameras have been installed to monitor the polling live.
