Loud music playing, party flags put up in the air, supporters chanting slogans – all this is evident on every street and corner, as Pakistan gears up for the upcoming general elections (GE-18)
We are sure you all are being bombarded with election information, candidate ads and well, being stuck in traffic. SO, to make it more interesting, we put together a little list for ya’ll.
Here are 9 interesting facts about the July 25 elections:
1. VOTERS
There are 105.96 million registered voters in the country, according to the final electoral rolls published by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP). Of these, 46.73m are females and 59.22m are males.
Interesting Fact: For the first time in the history of Pakistan, almost 51% of the population, as per the census conducted in 2017, is registered as voters.
2. POLLING STATIONS
Around 90,000 polling stations have been set up across the country by the ECP that will be staffed by more than 600,000 people, consisting of presiding officers and assistant presiding officers who will be monitored by the district’s returning officer (RO).
Interesting Fact: Results in constituencies will be nullified where women turnout is less than or equal to 10% as per the Elections Act, 2017.
3. CANDIDATES
Source: Dawn.com
There are a total of 11,855 candidates contesting for 849 seats of the National Assembly (NA) and the Provincial Assembly (PA).
Interesting Fact: Under the section 206 of Elections Act, 2017, there should be at least 5% women candidates in the electoral process.
4. SECURITY MEASURES
Military spokesperson Major General Asif Ghafoor has said that the army will be assisting the ECP with more than 370,000 troops across the country for a smooth electoral process on the Election Day.
Interesting Fact: The ECP has declared a public holiday on July 25.
5. MEDIA RULES AND REGULATIONS
The ECP has uploaded a code of conduct consisting of guidelines for the media to follow during the election period.
Interesting Fact: There is no code of conduct, whatsoever, for social media. What happens here, does not stay here, it goes viral!
6. HOURS OF VOTING
Source: geworld.ge
The electoral polls are set to take place from 8 am to 6 pm across the nation.
Interesting Fact: This is the first time in the electoral history of Pakistan that the polling duration has been extended across the board.
7. EXTERNAL PLAYERS
Hundreds of national and international observers are expected in the country to ensure that transparent, free and fair elections are conducted.
Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN) and the Trust for Democratic Education and Accountability (TDEA) are two such observers working in Pakistan.
Interesting Fact: The Elections Act, 2017 has established citizen observers’ rights and duties for the first time in the country.
8. WOMEN PARTICIPATION
As many as 171 women candidates will be contesting in the forthcoming GE-18.
Interesting Fact: This is the highest number of women candidates recorded in the country during a GE.
9. ELECTIONS ACT, 2017
The new elections law has empowered the ECP by giving it more financial autonomy.
Interesting Fact: The Elections Act, 2017 is the first major electoral reform since 1970.
So, who are you voting for? Have something to add to the story? Let us know in the comments below.
Vote Wisely, Pakistan!
Here’s How To Find Out Who The Candidates In Your Area Are And Vote Like A Responsible Citizen
Here Are The Only Three Steps You Need To Take To Make Sure You Are All Set For Election Day
Cover photo source: Scroll.in.com