KP govt failed to hold a peaceful LG elections in 1ST phase, ECP
Peshawar
The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Wednesday announced that the Pakistan Army would be deployed during the re-polling of local government elections in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP).
According to an official handout, the ECP also decided to deploy armed forces during the second phase of local body elections in remaining districts of the province.
The decision came after the ECP heard a number of cases of irregularities at various polling stations during the first phase of local government elections held on December 19, 2021.
During the hearing, the ECP scrutinized a video of ballot papers being torn at polling stations in Peshawar, ballot boxes being smashed, polling staff being beaten and the polling process being violated by various individuals.
There were about two to three policemen present at the station who were mere spectators, the ECP observed.
The ECP also took a stern notice of the failure of the provincial government to maintain law and order during the local body polls in KP.
The commission asked the Chief Secretary and the Inspector General of Police (IGP) KP to increase the police presence at the polling stations and ensure a peaceful second phase and re-polling election.
During the meeting, the two officials were assured by the provincial government that at least one to eight personnel would be deployed at each polling station and FC personnel to ensure law and order at the polling stations.
In view of the grave failure of the provincial government, the ECP has decided that wherever re-polling will take place in the province or the second round of elections, police along with the Pakistan Army will be deployed at the polling stations.
The Election Commission has also written a letter to the Ministry of Defense in this regard.
Further, the Election Commission has also decided that necessary legal action will be taken against those involved and responsible in these incidents.
