ECP meets to sort logistical bottlenecks in reprinting ballots

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) took cognizance on Wednesday of the logistical bottleneck of reprinting ballot papers in some constituencies, which could potentially lead to the postponement of elections in those constituencies. According to the ECP, "In constituencies where the reprinting of ballot papers is deemed necessary, the sequencing of the printing process will be determined after the completion of ballot papers' printing in other constituencies across the country." However, this decision is subject to certain conditions, as the ECP specifies, "It is contingent upon the availability of special security paper and capacity of printing presses to reprint ballot papers. In the event that the required amount of special security paper is unavailable, the ECP will have no alternative but to postpone elections in those constituencies." It was highlighted during the meeting that the 2018 general elections utilized 800 tons of special security paper for printing ballot papers. In contrast, the upcoming candidates for the 2024 elections were estimated to require approximately 2400 tons of special security paper. Read PM says no solid reason yet to justify polls delay Given the severity of the current situation, the ECP decided to reduce the size of the ballot paper, resulting in the requirement of the special security paper dropping to 2170 tons. However, this quantity still poses a challenge to printing ballot papers in a single round. The spokesperson for the ECP emphasised, "The increasing process of reprinting ballot papers in certain constituencies and the timely availability of required special security paper for this purpose present a significant challenge in the current situation." Election flurry Tasked with a mammoth challenge to ensure free and fair elections in the country, the ECP is engaged in streamlining the process pre and post-February 8 elections. A day earlier, it issued guidelines pertaining to the accreditation for election observation and media coverage ahead of the general elections. In a directive to the returning officers overseeing the election proceedings, the ECP has laid out specific instructions for the extensive coverage of the elections. The ECP's instructions include detailed guidelines and standard operating procedures (SOPs) for acquiring accreditation cards, primarily aimed at domestic observers and media personnel. A formal letter containing these instructions has been dispatched to all returning officers across the country. As per the released statement, all representatives from media outlets are eligible to apply for accreditation cards, facilitating their coverage during the electoral process. Three days ago, it successfully concluded preparations for the release of general election results. Over 859 returning officers from various regions across the country will be equipped with mobile internet devices, establishing a link with the Election Management System (EMS). The comprehensive plan involves providing internet-enabled devices to returning officers, ensuring seamless connectivity to the EMS system. As part of their responsibilities, returning officers are mandated to transmit constituency results to the ECP through the EMS system. Presiding officers, in turn, will use mobile data to send polling station results to the designated returning officers through the EMS.

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