Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja has issued a directive to all returning officers, emphasizing the secure delivery of Form 45, a crucial document in Pakistan's election process. The Chief Election Commissioner directed returning officers to ensure the delivery of Form 45, which records the vote count at each polling station. The form will be handed over to the returning officer by the presiding officer. Before handing over the form, the presiding officer must obtain signatures from themself and polling agents, ensuring transparency and verification of the recorded results. As an added transparency measure, the presiding officer will also display the completed Form 45 outside the polling station before submitting it.

The Chief Election Commissioner emphasized the importance of securely transporting the form to the returning officer, highlighting its critical role in maintaining the integrity of the elections. Form 45 plays a vital role in ensuring the accuracy and transparency of election results. This directive from the Chief Election Commissioner reaffirms the commitment to free and fair elections by addressing potential concerns about tampering or manipulation of vote counts. The emphasis on transparency measures like signature verification and public display further bolsters public trust in the electoral process. It is important to note that this directive comes amidst heightened scrutiny and public interest in the upcoming general elections. This proactive approach by the Election Commission could contribute to a more credible and accepted election outcome.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)