Election Commission Assures Security Measures Ahead of General Elections
ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has assured that it will proceed with the electoral process in the country as scheduled, with the general elections slated for February 8, despite ongoing security challenges in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan provinces.
Security Challenges Amidst Election Preparations
With only a week remaining until the February 8 polls, political parties continue their election preparations and campaigns despite a series of violent incidents causing multiple casualties, particularly at political rallies in the two aforementioned provinces, which have historically suffered from terrorism.
Intensified Security Measures
Law enforcement personnel have intensified security measures nationwide to maintain law and order in light of the upcoming national-level polls.
Commitment to Conduct Elections
Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikandar Sultan Raja emphasized the commission’s readiness to oversee the upcoming polls as planned.
Zero-Tolerance Policy Towards Interference
“The February 8 polls will proceed as scheduled. Despite existing security challenges, the election commission is fully prepared, and with the assistance of Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs) and Pakistan Army, we will take strict measures against any attempts to disrupt the electoral process and undermine security,” remarked the CEC during the ECP’s security meeting.
The CEC emphasized a zero-tolerance policy towards any interference, asserting that the commission would take stringent actions against offenders.
Addressing Security Concerns
A crucial meeting of the top electoral body convened in Islamabad to address the escalating security concerns in the affected provinces.
CEC’s Concerns and Determination
A statement released by the ECP following the meeting underscored the CEC’s concerns regarding the deteriorating security situation in KP and Balochistan while reiterating the commission’s determination to proceed with the electoral process despite challenges.
Terrorism Identified as Primary Threat
Raja identified terrorism as the primary threat to the electoral process and expressed confidence in LEAs’ ability to ensure adequate security measures for a peaceful electoral environment, enabling candidates and voters to exercise their rights freely.
Vigilance Against Disruptions
Furthermore, he urged LEAs to remain vigilant against attempts to disrupt law and order, especially during vote counting and result compilation.
Government and Security Assurances
The meeting, attended by caretaker Interior Minister Gohar Ejaz, Interior Secretary Aftab Durrani, intelligence officials, chief secretaries, police chiefs of Balochistan and KP, and senior ECP members, focused on the comprehensive security measures implemented nationwide, particularly in the volatile provinces.
Reassurance from Provincial Authorities
Balochistan officials reassured the CEC of the provincial administration and security agencies’ preparedness to counter potential terrorist threats, while KP authorities briefed on election preparations, notably in the aftermath of the merger of former federally administered tribal areas.
Commitment to Timely Elections
Interior Minister Ejaz affirmed the completion of all necessary arrangements and pledged full cooperation with the ECP to ensure the smooth conduct of the polls.
Reaffirmation of Election Schedule
Earlier, Ejaz dispelled any doubts regarding potential election delays, reaffirming that the polls would proceed as scheduled on February 8, underscoring the commitment of the election commission and caretaker government to uphold the electoral timetable.
Response to Recent Attacks
Despite heightened security concerns in KP and Balochistan, recent attacks on political rallies, offices, and candidates have raised apprehensions, prompting the ECP to demand comprehensive reports on such incidents and immediate action against the perpetrators.
International Condemnation
Following a deadly blast in Balochistan’s Sibi, the United States condemned the attack, stating that it undermines the electoral process.
