ISLAMABAD, July 21: The Election Commission (EC) of Pakistan has recommended guidelines for polling agents of the candidates in the forthcoming general elections, which would soon be sent to political parties for their perusal.

The guidelines were evolved in the light of discussions the EC held with political and religious parties, and the reservations expressed by them regarding transparency and impartiality of the election process during a meeting of the commission presided over by Chief Election Commissioner Irshad Hasan Khan, says an EC press release.

These recommendations, containing details of the election process, would be published soon.

The guidelines include: review of election process, responsibilities of a polling agent, issues needed attention a day before polling, important matters for consideration on polling day, details of voting process, important issues during voting, issues needing attention at the time of votes counting, packing of ballot papers and there dispatching to the returning officers, types of ballot — changed, tendered and rejected.

These guidelines also contain information about those authorized to approach or stay at the polling stations and tips for a polling agent to ensure transparency and impartiality of the election in and around a polling booth.—APP