QUETTA: Balochistan Election Commissioner Ejaz Anwar Chohan has said all resources would be utilised to ensure that elections are conducted in a peaceful, free, fair and transparent manner.

In an interaction with media on Sunday, he said the three-day training of presiding and returning officers began on Saturday.

“Holding of peaceful elections in Balochistan is a challenge and the Election Commission of Pakistan will fulfil its responsibilities effectively,” he pledged.

He said police and other security personnel would be deployed at the polling stations, adding that army would be called in if an untoward situation arose.

“All political parties and candidates participating in the elections would be treated equally,” he said, adding that a level playing field would be provided to all contesting parties and individuals.

He expressed the hope that law enforcement agencies would play their key role in bringing improvement in Balochistan’s security situation.

Mr Chohan pointed out that he was informed during a meeting with the Inspector General of Police that the situation in Balochistan was different from other provinces. Police and Frontier Corps would be deployed to ensure peaceful conduct of polling, he said, adding that request would also be made for troops deployment outside polling stations if needed.

The provincial election commissioner said that they would urge people to ensure that women cast votes. More than 5,000 polling stations will be established in the province, he added.

Published in Dawn, December 18th, 2023