All measures will be taken for peaceful conduct of elections: ECP chief Sikandar Sultan Raja

All measures will be taken for the peaceful conduct of elections, Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja said on Thursday.

ECP chief also urged political parties to continue canvassing without any fear.

According to a statement released by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), CEC Raja termed terrorism the “biggest enemy” of the electoral process.

 

But at the same time, Sikandar Sultan Raja expressed full confidence in law enforcement agencies.

He also urged the LEAs to remain alert for any potential law and order situation during the counting of votes and announcement of results.

“The February 8 polls will take place on time. Though security challenges exist the election commission is fully ready [to hold the elections], and with the help of Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs) and the Pakistan Army, the elements involved in hindering the electoral process and disrupting the security situation will be dealt strictly,” ECP chief Sikandar Sultan Raja said during the ECP’s security meeting.

Raja also warned the LEAs to stay cautious of the efforts to take law in hand during the day of polls, especially during the counting of votes and results compilation and announcement.

A statement, released by the ECP stated that the CEC expressed concerns about the deteriorating security situation in KP and Balochistan but stressed that the electoral process won’t stop despite the challenges.

A key meeting of the top electoral body took place in Islamabad to discuss the situation in the two provinces.

Caretaker Interior Minister Gohar Ejaz, Interior Secretary Aftab Durrani, intelligence officials, chief secretaries and police chiefs of Balochistan and KP as well as senior members of the ECP were in attendance in today’s meeting.