ISLAMABAD: Amidst the fervor of Pakistan’s general elections 2024, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has firmly declared that there will be no extension of voting time beyond the designated time and voting will be closed at 5:00pm.
The ECP clarified on Thursday that there are no contemplations regarding extending the voting deadline. The scheduled time for casting votes will conclude at 5:00 pm, with unofficial and unconfirmed results expected to be announced at 6:00 pm, as per the commission’s directives.
الیکشن کمیشن آف پاکستان
پریس ریلیز
8 فروری 2024
پولنگ کا عمل مقررہ وقت پر شام 5 بجے ختم ھو جائے گا۔تمام پولنگ اسٹیشنز کے دروازے شام 5 بجے بند کر دیئے جائیں گے البتہ جو لوگ پولنگ اسٹیشن کے احاطہ/ حدود میں پہلے سے موجود ہیں وہ مقررہ وقت کے بعد بھی ووٹ کاسٹ کر سکتے ہیں— Spokesperson ECP (@SpokespersonECP) February 8, 2024
Addressing the electoral process, the ECP reported receiving a total of 55 complaints, of which 45 have been promptly resolved, while efforts are ongoing to address the remaining 10. The nature of these complaints was described as routine, mostly concerning incidents of altercations. Assuring the public, the ECP affirmed that polling activities at all stations have been proceeding uninterrupted.
In a bid to bolster security measures, Pakistan temporarily suspended mobile phone services on Thursday, announced by the interior ministry. The decision comes in light of recent militant attacks in the lead-up to the elections.
Additionally, the government has announced the closure of borders with Iran and Afghanistan for the day, citing security concerns.
Unofficial initial results of the election are expected shortly after the closure of voting at 5:00 pm (1200 GMT), with a clearer picture expected to emerge by early Friday.
