[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text dp_text_size=”size-4″]Pakistan is gearing up for the upcoming elections on February 8 to choose its next government after months of governance by a caretaker setup amid economic challenges and political instability. With 128 million voters set to elect legislators to the National and provincial assemblies, it’s crucial to understand the voting process. Here is a step-by-step guide to simplify the voting procedure, especially for first-time voters.
To ensure a smooth voting experience and avoid last-minute confusion, it is advisable to determine your polling station a day before the election. The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has introduced an SMS service to assist voters in easily identifying their constituencies.
Read more: When Will ECP Reveal Full Results Of Elections 2024?
**Step 1:** Send an SMS with your ID card number to 8300, without adding spaces or dashes in the number.
**Step 2:** The voter will receive details about the electoral region name, block code, and serial number.
**Step 3:** Armed with the required information, bring your original ID card to the polling station mentioned in the SMS.
**Step 4:** At the polling station, join the queue and approach the presiding officer (PO), who will verify your name and electoral number.
**Step 5:** Once your name is called, the PO will mark your name from the list, and you will receive two ballot papers.
**Step 6:** Ensure that the presiding officer’s signature and stamp are obtained on the back of both ballot papers, or your vote will be invalidated. The white voting paper is for the provincial parliament, and the green one is for the National Assembly (NA).
**Step 7:** The presiding officer will imprint your thumb impression on the electoral rolls using non-erasable ink.
**Step 8:** Verify ECP’s watermark and the official nine-matrix seal on the ballot paper.
**Step 9:** Enter the polling area and cast your vote for a single candidate, ensuring the ink is dry before properly folding the ballot papers after stamping both places.
**Step 10:** Enter the voting booths and place the green ballot paper into the green box and the white ballot paper into the white box.
By following these steps, voters can actively participate in the democratic process and contribute to the selection of their representatives in the upcoming elections. Understanding the voting procedure is essential for ensuring the validity of one’s vote and promoting a transparent and democratic electoral system in Pakistan.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
