KARACHI: Showing serious doubts over the process, the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf has asked the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to deploy Rangers in and outside polling stations to ensure safe and transparent voting in Karachi where local government by-elections are going to be held on Nov 14 .

“Given Karachi’s complex security landscape and history of political unrest, we firmly believe that regular police presence alone will not be sufficient to guarantee the safety and fairness of the electoral process,” said a letter addressed to the provincial election commissioner by PTI-Karachi president Raja Azhar and secretary Arsalan Khalid.

“Deploying Rangers personnel outside polling stations will provide a critical layer of security to deter potential acts of violence, voter harassment, and crowd control issues that might arise due to heightened political tensions. However, in light of reports of possible interference and fraud within polling stations, we urge the Election Commission to authorise the deployment of Rangers inside polling stations as well. The presence of Rangers inside the polling stations is essential to safeguard the integrity of the vote, prevent ballot tampering, and ensure that no party or individual can interfere with the electoral process,” said the letter, a copy of which is provided to Dawn.

It reminded the ECP of its essential duty to uphold the credibility and transparency of the election process, and showed confidence that the deployment of Rangers is aligned with that mandate.

“We also emphasise that ensuring a peaceful voting environment free from intimidation is central to upholding the basic democratic rights of Karachi’s citizens,” said the PTI letter.

“The assurance of security provided by Rangers inside polling stations will send a strong message that the Election Commission is fully committed to maintaining neutrality, thereby reinforcing public trust in the electoral process.”

The LG by-polls on 10 vacant seats of union committee (UC) chairman, vice chairman and general councillors are scheduled to be held in Karachi division on Nov 14. The main contest is in between the Jamaat-i-Islami, PTI and PPP. The Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan is not contesting the by-elections.

Published in Dawn, November 11th, 2024