In the 2024 general elections across Pakistan, where instead of days, we’re now just hours away, the Election Commission has issued guidelines and procedures to facilitate voters.
According to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), it is mandatory to have the original identity card to cast a vote. A copy or soft copy of the identity card will not be acceptable, while an expired identity card can still be used for voting.
As per ECP’s instructions, a passport, birth certificate, or driving license will not be acceptable for voting. Upon entering the polling station, the voter must present their original identity card to the Presiding Officer.
After handing over the identity card to the Presiding Officer, the voter’s right thumb will be marked with invisible ink. The Presiding Officer will then affix the voter’s mark in front of the voter’s picture and strike off the voter’s name from the voter list.
In the next stage, ballot papers for the National and Provincial Assemblies will be provided by Assistant Presiding Officers. Green ballot papers will be given for the National Assembly, and white ballot papers for the Provincial Assembly.
Subsequently, voters will mark a stamp on the name or electoral symbol of their chosen candidate behind the voting screen on the ballot papers for Provincial and National Assemblies.
In the final stage, voters will fold the ballot paper and insert it into the ballot box. Before folding the ballot paper, it is essential to ensure that the ink of the stamp has dried.
