ISLAMABAD, Dec 7: The civil society “demands” that the Election Commission of Pakistan declare null and void the local government elections held in Balochistan’s constituencies where women were prevented from polling their ballots.

So said Tahira Abdullah, a member of the civil society network and human rights activist, in a letter sent to the acting Chief Election Commissioner Justice Nasir-ul-Mulk. The letter maintained that the civil society had keenly followed the local government polls. “We are concerned and disappointed to learn that, as in the past, women were prevented from voting in many areas on Saturday including Nushki, Quetta, Mastung, Chaman and Chagai,” she said.

Ms Abdullah said it had been reported that women staff were missing at several polling stations. Fake Computerised National Identity Cards (CNICs) and voter lists were also used at polling stations for women, she said.

She also said there was lack of security measures at the polling booths due to which women did not come out to vote.

Copies of the letter have been sent to Balochistan Chief Minister Dr Abdul Malik Baloch, Chairperson of National Commission on the Status of Women Khawar Mumtaz and Ministry of Law, Justice and Human Rights.

Ms Abdullah, while talking to Dawn, said participation of women in elections was a constitutional obligation and should be ensured.

“We demand that women should get their right to vote in a safe and secure environment,” she added.