ISLAMABAD: The 12th general elections in Pakistan officially concluded their voting period at 5:00 pm (local time) on Thursday. However, people already inside polling stations were permitted to continue casting their votes.
Voting for Pakistan’s one-day general elections commenced at 8 am across the country, with over 128 million registered voters exercising their franchise until the 5 pm deadline.
As the closing time approached, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) demanded the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) extend the voting duration. Despite the scheduled conclusion at 5 pm, the former ruling party opted to formally request an extension from the electoral body.
Nevertheless, the electoral body said that there would be no extension to the voting period for the 2024 general elections. The ECP stated that there were no considerations for prolonging the deadline, affirming that voting must conclude by 5:00 pm.
Moreover, the commission specified that unofficial and unconfirmed results could be broadcasted at 6:00 pm.
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.
