Amidst the anticipation of general elections in Pakistan, over 127 million registered voters eagerly await their chance to participate in the democratic process. With the power to elect representatives for both national and provincial assemblies, citizens recognize the pivotal role their votes play in shaping the country’s future trajectory.
However, despite the significance of each vote, concerns persist over the rejection of hundreds of thousands of ballots by the electoral body in past elections. In the aftermath of the 2018 polls, reports revealed that approximately 1.67 million votes went uncounted for various reasons, highlighting flaws in the electoral system.
How to ensure your vote count. Here are some crucial tips to ensure your vote counts and avoid rejection at the polls.
The Elections Act of 2017 outlines specific conditions under which votes may be rejected, including insufficient signatures or official marks on ballot papers. To safeguard their votes, citizens must ensure adherence to these guidelines, marking their ballot paper for a single candidate and obtaining signatures and stamps from an assistant polling officer.
Recognizing the need for increased awareness and education on voting procedures, experts emphasize the role of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), political parties, and civil society in informing the public and reducing instances of rejected votes on election day.
As the nation prepares for the upcoming polling day on February 8, voters stand ready to exercise their democratic rights and play an active role in shaping the country’s future through the ballot box.
