Pakistan’s Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sardar Raza Khan has directed the presiding officers to ensure secrecy of ballot in presidential election.
The CEC sent instructions for the upcoming presidential election. The instructions stated that no member of the National Assembly (NA), Senate or the provincial assemblies would be allowed to carry their phones or any other electronic devices into the premises.
“No photos should be taken and those voting should maintain secrecy,” he said. A total of 706 votes would be cast, with 342 MNA’s and 104 senators voting, while the provincial assemblies will have 65 votes each.
Ruling party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf has nominated Dr Arif Alvi as its presidential candidate, while the Pakistan People’s Party has named Aitzaz Ahsan as its candidate.
Meanwhile, the other opposition parties have fielded Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl chief as their presidential candidate. Presidential election would be held on September 4 to replace incumbent President Mamnoon Hussain, who will complete his five-year tenure.
The president would be elected by an electoral college; comprising of members of the Senate, NA, and the four provincial assemblies.