The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has given guidelines to the security forces responsible for ensuring safety during the upcoming February 8 general elections.
They stress the importance of remaining neutral, impartial, and not favouring any political party or candidate.
The ECP's instructions are part of a broader effort to ensure fair, transparent, and peaceful polls.
A committee, led by Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar, has been formed to oversee the conduct and security arrangements for the general elections.
The ECP clarified that its code of conduct would not apply to the armed forces and civil armed forces, as distinct guidelines were being issued specifically for them.
Security personnel are expected to perform their duties in accordance with the law, assisting the election commission in conducting free, fair, and transparent elections.
They are also required to cooperate with presiding officers for maintaining order and ensuring uninterrupted voting at polling stations.
The code emphasizes that security personnel should display politeness, impeccable behaviour while dealing with voters and polling staff.
They must ensure that voters are neither intimidated nor prevented from voting, and no voter carrying a weapon should be allowed into a polling station.
According to the guidelines, security personnel should be aware that polling agents have the right to observe the counting process and take copies of Form-45 (result of the count) and Form-46 (ballot paper account).
They are responsible for providing security to the premises of the returning officers until the consolidation of results.
Security personnel should permit accredited observers and media personnel to enter polling stations. Media persons are allowed to carry cameras to capture footage, excluding the screened-off compartment to maintain the secrecy of the ballot.
Specific instructions for law enforcement, including police officials, highlight refraining from asking voters for their "perchees" or identity proof.
The responsibility lies with the polling officer. No eligible voter should be disallowed from entering a polling station, and security personnel should not interfere with the counting process unless instructed by the presiding officer in case of malpractice.
