Ballots for 116 constituencies delivered, EC working with Meta to curb rumours

The Election Commission (EC) is busy with final preparations ahead of the 13th National Parliament election. Ballot papers for 116 parliamentary constituencies have already been delivered to the respective Returning Officers. The ballots for the remaining constituencies will be delivered by February 7, assured Election Commission Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed. He disclosed this information while briefing journalists after a courtesy meeting with a European Union (EU) delegation at the Election Building on Thursday, February 5.

The Secretary said the EU delegation chief had met with the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC). They primarily inquired about the commission's election preparations and the overall voting situation. They also wanted to know if the commission had any concerns regarding the election. Explaining the reason for the delay in ballot paper delivery, the Secretary said that due to court directives reinstating the candidacy of some candidates at the last minute, ballots for several constituencies had to be reprinted. However, he assured that ballots would reach all areas within the stipulated time.

The commission sees curbing rumours and propaganda during the election period as a major challenge. On this issue, the Secretary said, "We are in discussions with Meta. We do not want internet speeds to be reduced. Rather, we have requested Meta to remove (take down) satirical, offensive, or propagandistic content." The commission's Artificial Intelligence (AI) cell is coordinating directly with Meta on this matter.

Extensive security measures have been taken to keep the law and order situation under control. The Secretary informed that the army will be deployed in the field for 7 days. Ansar and police will be deployed for 8 days. From February 8 to 14, 150 executive magistrates will operate mobile courts. A list of judicial magistrates will also be obtained soon. The Secretary further stated that the Postal Department has collected 379,924 postal ballots. Of these, 171,068 have reached the offices of the Returning Officers. Additionally, 6,091 prisoners have registered as voters, and their voting began on February 3 and will continue until February 7.

Responding to a question about facilities for domestic observers, the Secretary said no written complaints regarding grievances of domestic observers have reached his office. He added that they are keenly monitoring to ensure domestic observers, like their foreign counterparts, can work smoothly.