Pakistan goes to the polls today

Radio Pakistan

The nation goes to poll tomorrow to elect members of the National and 4 Provincial Assemblies for the next 5 years. This would be for first time that transfer of power to next elected government would take place after completion of tenure of one democratically elected government. The polling will begin at 08:00 in the morning and continue uninterrupted up to 05:00 p.m. However‚ those in the premises of the polling stations at the deadline would be allowed to cast their votes. Production of National Identity Card is a must for issuance of ballot paper to the voters and expired cards are also valid for the purpose. Green Ballot papers are meant for national assembly while white will be for the provincial assemblies' seats. There are over 86.1 million registered voters in the country including over 48.6 million male and 37.5 million female voters. Out of two hundred and seventy two general seats of the national assembly elections are to take place in 271 constituencies as electoral process in NA-254 Karachi-XVI was terminated due to death of one of the candidates. 296 general seats of the Punjab Assembly are up for contest as electoral process in PP-217 Khanewal-VI was terminated due to death of a candidate. There are 99 general seats of the provincial assembly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa where elections would be held. In Sindh elections are being held on 129 general seats as electoral process stands terminated for PS-64 Mirpur Khas-I due to death of a candidate. For Balochistan Assembly elections would be held for 50 general seats as electoral process was terminated in PB-32 Jhal Magsi due to death of a candidate. The Election Commission in collaboration with federal and provincial governments‚ Pakistan army and law enforcement agencies has made elaborate arrangements to conduct polls in a smooth and peaceful atmosphere.