Elections are around the corner and ECP has upgraded its helpline number with details of polling stations one can go to cast his or her vote.
Voters are required to send their CNIC number on 8300. Details of the constituencies, both provincial and central, along with the address of the polling station for the polls on Feburary 8 will be revealed.
Previously, sending CNIC only showed the constituencies and registration numbers but now it shows the assigned polling stations too.
The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has released a detailed summary of polling stations and booths as the upcoming elections are set to take place on February 8, 2024, across the country.
The electoral watchdog’s data shows that they’ve set up a total of 90,675 polling stations across the country. Out of these, 25,320 are specifically for male voters, while 23,950 are for female voters. They’ll also have 41,405 combined polling stations open for everyone to use.
In Punjab, the ECP will establish around 50,944 polling stations, including 14,556 for men, 14,036 for women, and 22,352 that both men and women can use. In Sindh, they’re planning to set up 19,006 polling stations, with 4,439 for men, 4,308 for women, and 10,259 where both genders can vote.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) will host around 15,697 polling stations, distributing 4,814 for men, 4,289 for women, and 6,594 combined polling stations. Meanwhile, Balochistan will have 5,028 polling stations catering to both male and female voters.
Furthermore, the summary stated that Punjab will have 149,434 polling booths, Sindh will have 65,005, KP will have 47,081, and Balochistan will have 14,882.
According to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), 55 percent of polling stations have been termed ‘sensitive’ for the upcoming general elections next year.
ECP Secretary Omar Hamid Khan said, while briefing the Senate Standing Committee, that around 55 percent of polling stations to be established are sensitive.
A ‘sensitive polling station’ usually refers to a voting site that is disputatious or requires more attention due to specific circumstances or factors that could become hurdles in a free and fair voting process.
A sensitive polling station could be one located in an area with a history of political unrest, violence, or security threats. In such cases, the voting process can be made free and fair by providing extra security by the caretaker government.
If a polling station is located in an area with a history of political unrest, violence, or security threats, it can be considered a sensitive polling station. On the other hand, if a polling station serves a vulnerable population, like elderly citizens or people with disabilities, it could also be counted as a sensitive polling station.
Similarly, if any polling station is located in remote or difficult-to-reach areas, it can also be considered sensitive because of logistical challenges.
“A total 91,809 polling stations will be established, of which 49,919 have been designated as sensitive or highly sensitive,” Omar Hamid Khan said.
The ECP secretary stated that 17,411 polling stations are highly sensitive, 32,508 are justly sensitive, and 41,809 are designated as ‘normal’.
Omar Hamid Khan also told the senate standing committee that there are 266 National Assembly constituencies and 593 provincial assemblies. He also observed that one million polling staff would be required for the general election next year.