In preparation for the upcoming 2024 elections in Pakistan, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has successfully completed the printing of a staggering 260 million ballot papers. The extensive printing process, which commenced on January 14, concluded on February 3, marking a crucial milestone in the electoral preparations.

The ballots for the National Assembly are distinguishable by their green color, while those for Provincial Assemblies are printed on white paper, facilitating a clear identification of the respective categories. The distribution of these millions of ballots is nearly finalized across the nation, with the exception of 31 districts where the process is still underway.

However, the electoral process faced a significant hiccup due to a directive from the Supreme Court, necessitating the reprinting of ballots for 11 National Assembly and five Provincial Assembly constituencies. Consequently, the original ballots for these specific constituencies are slated for destruction in compliance with the court order.

The scale of this election is evident in the substantial 54.74% increase in candidates compared to the 2018 elections, a testament to the vibrant democratic process in the country. Despite facing a remarkable 195% surge in demand for special paper, the ECP effectively managed the situation, reducing the paper quantity from an initially projected 2400 tonnes to 2177 tonnes.

The distribution strategy incorporates various formats, with 5% single-column, 50% double-column, 30% three-column, 11.15% four-column, and 2.4% five-column layouts to cater to the diverse requirements of different constituencies.

As the nation gears up for the polls scheduled on February 8, political parties and independent candidates are actively engaged in campaigning efforts. The election drive, characterized by meticulous planning, is set to conclude on February 6 at 12 pm.

Also, see:

Pakistan Allocates Rs 47.4 Billion for General Elections

Topics #featured #trending pakistan