As Pakistan eagerly awaits the upcoming general elections scheduled for February 8, 2024, every eligible citizen must understand the voting process and ensure their participation in this democratic exercise. Here’s a comprehensive step-by-step guide to help you cast your vote seamlessly and effectively:
- Locate Your Polling Station:
Utilize the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP)’s SMS service for convenient access to your polling station details. Simply text your Computerized National Identity Card (CNIC) number to 8300 (without dashes) to receive essential information including your block code, serial number, and region. - Bring Your CNIC:
Remember, your CNIC is your voting ticket. It’s mandatory to present your original CNIC at the polling station, as photocopies not accepted. - Leave Your Mobile Phones Behind:
Mobile phones strictly prohibited within the polling booth premises. Ensure you leave yours at home or store it securely elsewhere to avoid any inconvenience. - Capture the Moment:
While mobile phones not allowed inside the booth, you’re free to take a picture of your thumb with the ink mark after casting your vote. - Beat the Queue:
Plan to arrive early to avoid long queues. Voting commences at 8:00 am and continues until 6:00 pm, so make sure you allocate sufficient time to exercise your right. - Verification Process:
Upon reaching the polling booth, the presiding officer will verify your name and electoral number before issuing your ballot papers. - Mark Your Choices:
You’ll receive two ballots – a white one for the provincial parliament and a green one for the national assembly. Ensure the presiding officer stamps and signs both papers as your vote not counted without it. - Thumb Impression:
Your thumb impression will imprinted on the electoral rolls to signify that you’ve casted your vote. This is an essential step for record-keeping purposes. - Check for Authenticity:
Before proceeding to the voting booths, ensure that your ballot papers bear the ECP’s watermark, the official nine-matrix seal, and are free from any attachments or stamps other than the designated candidates’ symbols. - Privacy Matters:
Once inside the voting booth, ensure no one else is nearby and verify that the ink is dry before folding the ballot papers. - Cast Your Vote:
Insert the green ballot paper into the green box and the white one into the white box, and you’re done! You’ve successfully exercised your democratic right.
By following these simple yet essential steps, you contribute to the democratic process and play an active role in shaping the future of Pakistan. Make your vote count in the upcoming general elections!
