Islamabad - The election authorities assigned a male official to work as assistant presiding officer (APO) in a female polling station in Islamabad during the local government polls. The election authorities thought Sanam Abbas Shah was a female officer in Capital Development Authority (CDA) as his name sounds like a girl’s name. But Sanam is male officer working in Bulk Water Management in the civic agency.
The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) through the returning officer concerned asked CDA to give services of Sanam Abbas Shah at the disposal of election authorities so that she (he) could work as assistant presiding officer in women polling station. The ECP seemingly thought Sanam is a female officer keeping in view his name. Mr (Mrs) Sanam has been given responsibility to facilitate women voters in a Islamabad model school for girls along with Shamsa Kanwal and Humera Shaheen who are genuine female officers.
According to rules, a male could be assigned as presiding officer in joint polling stations but in case of assistant presiding officer or polling officer, it must be a female.
Schools to remain closed on vote day
There will be a holiday in all the educational institutions (both public and private) including schools, colleges and universities in the federal capital on the occasion of local government election scheduled for November 30. According to a notification issued by the city administration yesterday, all other offices will remain open and functional as usual.
The Deputy Commissioner Islamabad office has taken the decision on the instructions of ministry of interior.
The decision of not declaring holiday in the other federal government offices in the capital on the polling day may result in low turnout in the first-ever LG polls.