Gilgit-Baltistan election today

All is set to hold legislative assembly election in Gilgit-Baltistan, as 7,17,286 male and female voters would utilise their right of franchise on November 12. The election is being held in 23 constituencies out of 24 and there are more than 250 candidates including Independent and those who are contesting on party basis. There would be no polling in constituency GB-19, where election has been postponed due to demise of MQM candidate Sher Bahadur Khan.
As per Election Commission, out of the total voters, there are 3,32,377 female voters and 3,84,909 male voters who would cast their votes to elect 23 members for the assembly. The Election Commission has made elaborate arrangements to ensure smooth conduct of election and set-up 982 polling stations in all six districts of GB, of which 253 are reserved for women voters while 258 polling stations are for the male voters. Besides 511 mixed polling stations.
The Election Commission has also declared 153 sensitive polling stations and 119 very sensitive stations where both male and female voters would be allowed to cast their votes. The voters who posses Computerised National Identity Cards (CNIC) would only be allowed to cast their votes and the step has been taken to ensure transparency in the election.
An election cell and a control room have also been established which would remain open round the clock to address complaints or give information about the election. Moreover, to conduct the election in a smooth manner, 24 Returning Officers and 25 Assistant Returning Officers have been deployed while more than 3,000 polling staff has also been assigned duties on the polling day.
Foolproof security measures have been adopted under which around 5,000 appropriate security staff is deployed at all the polling stations especially at the sensitive and highly sensitive stations to ensure smooth conduct of the election and transparency. As per details, two battalions of Pakistan Army have been called and moved to different areas of the region. Army Jawans would not be deployed but available on call in case of any emergency.
Under the security plan, 16 platoons of Northern Areas Scout have also been called and would be deployed at different polling stations to assist GB police. The deployment of security staff has been made as per their sensitivity with deployment of three security officials at each normal polling station, five at sensitive and nine security personnel at the most sensitive polling station.
To ensure communicational contact, wireless sets have been provided at the polling stations where telephone facility was not available. Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) of GB, Rahim Nawaz Khan Durrani has directed all the district election commissioners and polling staff to ensure on time arrival at their respective stations so as to ensure free and fair elections.