Daily Times

Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) Secretary Babar Yaqoob said on Saturday that there was no pressure on the electoral body and that they had complete authority.

The ECP has complete powers and all the institutions are “cooperating” with them, the secretary of country’s top poll body said while addressing the media.

“The institutions are acting according to our instructions,” he said. “All institutions, including the military, judiciary and provincial governments are cooperating.

“I clearly state that we do not have pressure from any institution,” the ECP secretary told reporters during the press briefing.

Speaking further, Yaqoob said the polling scheme for July 25 elections would also be issued on Google Map by tonight.

He said that all political parties were campaigning for the polls, adding, “Action is taken where the ECP’s code of conduct is not followed.”

The ECP secretary said that two letters were written to the Punjab chief minister over complaints pertaining to election campaign.

“No party has been restricted from campaigning,” he said, adding that the nation would be apprised of election results through the state TV.

The secretary told reporters that action would be taken against three Allah-o-Akbar Party members allegedly involved in terrorism.

He said the top poll body would take action against any individual involved in crime. “Mere accusations, however, cannot constitute basis for action.”

Yaqoob said the ECP would ensure that foolproof security arrangements were in place on election day. Talking about the role of law-enforcement agencies, he said 450,000 policemen will be deployed for security purposes. Another 350,000 military men would also be tasked with similar responsibilities.

The ECP secretary said stationery had been dispatched to ROs nationwide.

On election day, Yaqoob said, ROs handling of postal ballots will be monitored. ECP officials will also conduct surprise audits, he said. The secretary said CCTVs had been installed across polling stations. Arrangements have also been made for the visually impaired, he said. He also thanked the military and the Supreme Court for cooperating with the commission.

Published in Daily Times, July 22^nd 2018.