Secretary Election Commission of Pakistan, Omer Hameed Khan Sunday here said that high turnout was expected keeping in view of the voters’ overwhelming response during the voting process of the Local Government elections in 17 districts of KP.
Talking to media persons here after visiting different polling stations in Mardan and Swabi districts, the Secretary ECP said the people of KP had shown great enthusiasm in the local bodies elections as they knew that new leadership comes through this system.
He said local bodies election was very important for Pakistan as it strengthen political system and address people problems at grassroots level.
The Secretary while expressing satisfaction on security and polling arrangements said that polling was smoothly underway and no major incident of rigging or voting irregularity has been reported.
He said elements involved in the last night incident regarding unlawful stamping of ballot papers in a polling station in Peshawar has been arrested and high level committee was constituted to probe it.
He said the committee would submit inquiry report in seven days and strict action would be taken against the responsible. Asked about incorrect printing of election symbols on some ballot papers, the Secretary ECP said this issue has come into our notice and internal inquiry would be conducted for its detailed investigation.
Asked about violation of ECP’s code of conduct during LG elections, the Secretary ECP said no one was above the law and heavy fines were imposed against violators.
To a question about use of Electronic Voting Machines in upcoming local bodies election in Punjab, the Secretary ECP said these machines were likely to be used on experimental basis in Punjab LG elections and the Ministry of Science and Technology has been informed for provision of EVMs in this regard.—APP
