Election schedule soon as preparations underway in full swing: CEC

A woman casts her vote at a polling station during by-elections in Karachi on October 16, 2022. — PPI

ISLAMABAD: Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikander Sultan Raja has reiterated that the general elections in the country will take on its scheduled time i.e., February 8 2024 and the schedule for 2023 polls will be issued in a few days.

In a message to mark National Voters Day on Thursday, the CEC said the Election Commission is fully aware of its constitutional and legal responsibilities, reported Geo News.

“Fully prepared and committed to conduct transparent and peaceful elections,” he added.

He said the polls organising body is currently busing in election preparations and the printing and distribution of electoral rolls have been completed.

CEC Raja said a notification for the appointments of election staff including returning officers (Ros) and district returning officers (DROs) will be issued in a few days.

His statement came amid heightened political temperature in the country with political parties busy in electioneering and political wheeling and dealing to strengthen their position in the elections slated to take place on February 8, 2023.

The Finance Division on Tuesday released Rs17.4 billion to the ECP for polls arrangements, putting to rest election delay rumours.

Last week, the ECP also notified the final list of delimitation of constituencies of the national and four provincial assemblies, paving the way for the announcement of the election schedule.

In the message today, the CEC also reiterated that elections will take place at its scheduled time and maintained that the commission will ensure complete security during the polls.

He also urged the people to use their right to vote for the “bright future of the country and nation” and cooperate with the ECP to ensure peaceful elections.

Raja also reminded the people that they have “power of vote,” asking them to cast their ballot while keeping in view the future of their children.

He also called upon voters to fully participate in the election process.