Election Commission Allocates PKR 17 Billion for 2024 General Elections in Pakistan

Election Commission Allocates PKR 17 Billion for 2024 General Elections in Pakistan (Representative image)

Election Commission Allocates PKR 17 Billion for 2024 General Elections in Pakistan

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) announced an allocation of PKR 17 billion towards security measures concerning the upcoming general election scheduled for February 8, 2024.

In a meeting held to discuss the security arrangements, attended by Inspector Generals (IGs) from all four provinces, detailed plans for polling day security were presented.

To ensure a peaceful electoral process across the country, it’s estimated that around 600,000 police officers are required. However, the current availability stands at only 200,000 officers, highlighting a considerable gap of 400,000 personnel needed to meet the fundamental security requirements, as per ARY News. Moreover, about 58% of the designated polling places have been marked as sensitive areas.

The nomination papers’ filing deadline for the National Assembly and provincial assemblies concluded on December 24.

Nomination papers’ scrutiny will be conducted from December 25 to December 30, with a provision for appeals against acceptance or rejection until January 3, decisions on which will be made by January 10.

The list of candidates will be publicly displayed on January 11, and candidates can withdraw their nominations until January 12.

The electoral symbols will be allotted on January 13, paving the way for the elections on February 8.

In a parallel development, objections were raised against nomination papers submitted by Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Chief Organiser Maryam Nawaz during the scrutiny process in Lahore. This rigorous scrutiny phase, conducted by relevant returning officers (ROs) nationwide, aims to ensure compliance with legal and procedural requisites, thus ensuring the integrity of the electoral system.

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Sabiha Rajpoot

Sabiha Rajpoot, a young journalist, having BA- Journalism degree, writes on different scenarios. Sabiha is also a doctor degree at DHMS.