Tribesmen of the erstwhile Fata, for the first time in their history, are to vote in the elections to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provincial assembly today (Saturday). As many as 2.801 million voters are eligible to exercise their right of franchise to elect MPAs to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly from 16 constituencies.
A total of 285 candidates, including two women belonging to different political parties as well as independents are in the run. Women contenders are contesting from Khyber and Kurram districts.
Earlier, erstwhile FATA (Federally-Administered Tribal Area) had representation in federal legislature and not in provincial legislature. The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has completed all arrangements for holding elections smoothly and peacefully in the merged tribal districts, including Khyber, Bajaur, Mohmand, Kurram, Orakzai, North Waziristan and South Waziristan and Frontier Regions. According to ECP, the total number of male voters is 1671308 and female 1130529.
To facilitate the voters, 1896 polling stations, including 482 for male voters and 376 for women and another 1038 combined stations have been set up.
Besides, eight candidates have been nominated for four seats reserved for women from merged areas. Three are named for the lone seat reserved for non-Muslim. Reserved seats are filled indirectly as per party position.
The polling would be held for three seats in each of Bajaur and Khyber districts, two in each of Mohmand, Khurram, North Waziristan, South Waziristan and for one seat in each of Orakzai district and ex-frontier regions.
Army is being deployed inside and outside of the most sensitive polling stations. However, army is being deployed only outside of rest of the polling stations.
The KP government has decided to make all out efforts for installation of CCTV cameras on all polling stations, particularly the most sensitive polling stations.
Voters present in polling stations after the expiry of the scheduled time would be allowed to cast their votes. After that, counting of ballot papers will be made in presence of polling agents of the contestants.
Carrying of arms, cameras and mobile phones will not be allowed inside the polling stations and stern action will be taken against violators.
The ECP has made strong endeavours by arranging series of workshops and seminars in a bid to ensure maximum women voters turnout on. Women security personnel will also be deployed on all female and combined polling stations to facilitate women voters.
People notice great enthusiasm among tribal voters, including young voters as they are to poll their first-ever vote to elect their representatives for KP Assembly.
The process of distribution of ballot papers to the constituencies has begun under the supervision of armed forces. Over 2.8m ballot papers have been printed. On directives of KP Chief Minister, the provincial government has set up control room for the elections and that has remained operational for 24 hours since Friday (July 19) and will also remain in contact with other departments for facilitating people.
The chief minister has directed all the government departments to provide maximum facilities to voters and general public.