As citizens of Pakistan, exercising our right to vote is a fundamental responsibility in shaping the future of our nation. With the general elections scheduled for February 8, 2024, it is imperative to understand the process of casting your vote effectively. Here are some guidelines to follow:

  1. Locate Your Polling Station: Utilize the Election Commission of Pakistan’s SMS service by texting your CNIC number to 8300 to find your designated polling station. Ensure you are aware of its location beforehand to avoid any last-minute confusion.
  2. Bring Necessary Identification: Remember to bring your original Computerized National Identity Card (CNIC) with you as photocopies are not accepted for voting purposes. This is essential for verification at the polling station.
  3. Leave Mobile Phones Behind: Mobile phones are not permitted inside the polling booth. Ensure you leave yours at home or in a secure place to adhere to the regulations.
  4. Capture Your Thumb Impression: After casting your vote, you are permitted to take a picture of your thumb with the casted vote sign as a personal record of participation.
  5. Follow Timings: The voting process commences at 8:00 am and concludes at 6:00 pm. Make sure to plan your visit to the polling station within these timings to avoid missing out on your chance to vote.
  6. Verification Process: Upon arrival at the polling station, the presiding officer will verify your name and electoral number. Cooperate with them during this process to ensure smooth proceedings.
  7. Ballot Distribution: The presiding officer will provide you with two ballots – one white for the provincial parliament and one green for the national assembly. Ensure they are blank and devoid of any markings.
  8. Thumb Impression: The presiding officer will imprint your thumb impression on the electoral rolls as part of the verification process. Cooperate with this step to authenticate your identity.
  9. Verify Ballot Integrity: Before casting your vote, ensure the presiding officer’s signature and stamp are present on both ballots. Additionally, verify the Election Commission of Pakistan’s watermark and official seal on the ballot papers.
  10. Maintain Privacy: Inside the polling booth, ensure no one else is close to you to maintain the secrecy of your vote.
  11. Cast Your Vote: Use a pen provided by the polling station to mark your choices on the ballot papers. Once done, ensure the ink is dry before folding the papers.
  12. Deposit Ballots: Insert the green ballot paper into the green box and the white into the white box as per the instructions provided.
  13. Encourage Participation: Encourage women in your community to obtain identity cards and participate in the electoral process to ensure diverse representation.
  14. Arrive Early: Consider arriving early at the polling station to avoid long queues and potential delays.
  15. Verify Your Vote: Before leaving the polling station, ensure that only one candidate’s election symbol is stamped on the ballot papers to validate your vote.

Follow all guidelines provided by the polling station staff to ensure a smooth and orderly voting process for everyone.

Always remember that voting is not just a right but also a responsibility as a citizen. Your participation contributes to the democratic process and the future of Pakistan.

By adhering to these guidelines, you can effectively exercise your right to vote and contribute to the democratic process of Pakistan in the upcoming general elections.

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