February 8, the eagerly anticipated General Elections are scheduled to take place nationwide. The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has finalized all necessary preparations, including the distribution of ballot papers.
With a considerable number of first-time voters expected, many may be unfamiliar with the voting process. Here, we’ll outline the complete procedure for casting your vote.
Locate Your Constituency:
Text your National Identity Card (NIC) number to 8300 to receive details such as your national and provincial assembly constituency number, polling station, family number, and serial number.
Required Documents:
Voters are reminded by the ECP to bring their original CNIC. Notably, individuals with expired CNICs are still eligible to vote. However, other documents, including a CNIC copy, will not suffice.
Cellphone Policy:
Strictly refrain from bringing mobile phones to the polling stations, as advised by the ECP. Voters are encouraged to leave their phones at home.
Voting Hours:
Polling will commence at 8:00 am and conclude at 5:00 pm.
Queue and Verification:
Wait in line for your turn. The Presiding Officer (PO) will verify your name and electoral number. Upon verification, you’ll receive two ballot papers – one for the provincial assembly and one for the national assembly. Additionally, your name will be marked off the list.
Signature and Stamp:
The PO’s signature and stamp are mandatory on the back of both ballot papers. Ensure both papers are signed and stamped, as votes without them will not be valid.
Ballot Papers:
Separate ballot papers will be provided for provincial and national assemblies – white for provincial and green for national. The PO will use special ink to record your thumb impression on the electoral rolls.
Proceed to Voting Booths:
There will be separate boxes for each assembly’s votes – a green-topped box for national and a white-topped box for provincial assembly.
No Interference:
Ensure no external influence or individuals are present while casting your vote.
Dry Ink:
After stamping both ballot papers, ensure the ink is dry before folding them lengthwise to prevent ink spread.
Cast Your Vote
Insert the green ballot paper into the green-topped box and the white ballot paper into the white-topped box to complete the voting process.
(Islamabad51_Newsdesk)
