ISLAMABAD: As Pakistan prepares for general elections on Thursday, over 127 million registered voters are poised to exercise their fundamental right to vote. This crucial democratic exercise will empower citizens to choose their representatives for both national and provincial assemblies, shaping the future direction of the country. However, how to prevent your vote from being rejected?
In the aftermath of the 2018 elections in Pakistan, numerous votes were left uncounted for various reasons. Media reports indicate that approximately 1.67 million votes were excluded from the final tally. The Elections Act of 2017 stipulates conditions under which votes may be rejected, including ballot papers lacking the signature of the presiding officer or assistant presiding officer, or those lacking an official mark, as outlined in Section 90.
According to the law, a valid vote must bear a single candidate’s mark on the ballot paper, accompanied by signatures and stamps from an assistant polling officer. To prevent your vote from being rejected, it is essential to follow these guidelines.
Experts and analysts emphasize the importance of efforts by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), political parties, and civil society to raise awareness among the public, reducing the occurrence of such instances on election day.
As electioneering concludes in Pakistan, attention now turns to the upcoming polling day scheduled for February 8. Voters are gearing up to exercise their democratic rights, poised to shape the future of their nation through the ballot box.
