ECP empowers the DROs for identification of sensitive poling stations, as well as sensitive political constituencies

ISLAMABAD, Jan 16 (SABAH): Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has empowered the District Returning Officers (DROs) for identification of sensitive poling stations, as well as sensitive political constituencies and ensuring complete security, at peak elections campaign, Poling Day and after the announcement of results., across the country.

Close Circuit Television Cameras (Surveillance Cameras) to be installed at sensitive poling stations and their direct monitoring link would be provided to District Returning Officers as well as Election Commission of Pakistan.

In this regard, Election Commission of Pakistan has issued General Elections 2024, hand book for District Returning Officers containing complete code of conduct and safe-guards for ensuring free and fair elections in the country.

DRO’s have been directed to ensure that adequate security is available for pre- during and after the Post Poll activities. Furthermore Extra security measures should be taken for disturbance prone areas. ECP has directed to the DRO’s to handle these issues, highly sensitive areas where disturbance may arise should be identified and advance and extra security measures must be implemented in such areas through Police and Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs).

DRO’s have been directed to ensure that CCTV cameras have been installed at highly sensitive poling stations to be identified under Section 59 (12) of the Election Act, 2017. To ensure this measure, DRO’s should coordinate with District Administration and also seek help from the operators of such CCTV networks for installation of Surveillance Cameras at sensitive poling stations as well in sensitive constituencies across the country.

In-case of Emergencies, DRO’s must be in direct contact with the District Administration and Law enforcement Agencies and also inform them about any outward situation immediately for taking corrective measures. In this regards, the DRO’s have been directed must ensure clear channels of communication with relevant persons of both district administration and law enforcement agencies, who may be contacted in case of any emergency.