DIRECTIVE FOR THE PRESIDING OFFICERS ISSUED BY THE CHIEF ELECTION COMMISSIONER FOR ORDERLY CONDUCT OF POLLS OF BYE-ELECTIONS IN KARACHI AND JAMSHORO DISTRICTS.
Islamabad, the 8th February, 2007- Mr.Kanwar Muhammad Dilshad, Federal Secretary Election Commission of Pakistan, Islamabad has informed that Mr.Justice (R) Qazi Muhammad Farooq, Chief Election Commissioner has issued the following directive to the Presiding Officers appointed for Conduct of bye-elections in constituencies No.NA-250 Karachi-XII and PS-71-Dadu-I, to be observed by them in letter and spirit during the polling process:
1. Check all election materials received from your Returning Officer and report immediately if any item is missing.
2. To ensure that every ballot box to be used is empty.
3. To show the empty ballot box to contesting candidates and their election agents or polling agents whoever may be present and record their statements in this behalf.
4. After the ballot box has been shown to be empty, close and seal it with his own seal and with a seal of such of the candidates as may be present and may desire to put their own seals.
5. Place the ballot box so as to be conveniently accessible to all the persons present in the polling booth.
6. Open and close the polling at the proper times. However, allow the voters to cast their votes who are present in the precincts of the polling station.
7. Supervise the work of your Assistant Presiding Officer and Polling Officer.
8. Ensure that no one tempers with the ballot boxes before, during and after the polling.
9. Ensure the secrecy of each voter’s vote.
10. Ensure that observers, polling agents and the candidates conduct themselves correctly.
11. Allow no one in the polling stations who have no right to be there.
12. Complete the ballot paper account form correctly.
13. Conduct the count and complete the statement of count correctly and provide a copy thereof to the polling agents. Also affix the statement of count at a conspicuous place in the polling station.
14. Put materials in the proper packets and seal all the packets after the close of voting.
15. Deliver all material to your Returning Officer or Assistant Returning Officer in the proper manner as early as possible.