ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) is set to conclude the distribution of 260 million ballot papers to the Returning Officers (ROs) of 859 constituencies nationwide by Monday (tomorrow).
An ECP spokesperson said in a statement that the Commission has concluded the printing of ballot papers in three government printing presses for the upcoming Feb 8 elections
Reprinting of ballot papers in particular controversial constituencies has been finalized, following the directives of the superior judiciary in specific court cases.
The commission’s spokesperson noted that 220 million ballot papers were printed for the 2018 general elections, utilizing 800 tons of special security paper in the process.
For the upcoming 2024 general elections, he said the Election Commission has printed 260 million ballot papers, using 2,170 tons of paper—a significant increase due to the surge in the number of candidates, which is 150 times more than the 2018 elections.
The commission’s spokesperson said that various challenges, such as court cases and a high number of candidates, emerged during the ballot paper printing process.
Despite these hurdles and within a limited time, the commission fulfilled its responsibility to print the papers, ensuring that voters can exercise their right to vote in the February 8 elections.
Printing of ballot papers completed
Earlier, the ECP successfully completed the printing of 260 million ballot papers for all constituencies in the country ahead of the 2024 elections.
According to ECP spokesman, “National Assembly ballots are identifiable by green paper, whereas Provincial Assembly ballots are printed on white paper. Except for 31 districts, the distribution of printed ballot papers has been finalized across the nation.”
Printing, which commenced on January 14, concluded by February 3.
In compliance with a Supreme Court directive, ballot papers for 11 National Assembly and five Provincial Assembly constituencies underwent reprinting, with the original ones set for destruction as per the court order.
ECP officials disclosed that this time, a total of 260 million ballot papers were printed, reflecting a 54.74% rise in candidates compared to the 2018 elections. Despite a 195% surge in demand for special paper, effective management led to a reduction from 2400 tonnes to 2177 tonnes.
