Two secret booths to be set up in each polling room: EC Secretary

Election Commission (EC) secretary Akhtar Ahmed has said the commission held another round of meetings with secretaries of 34 ministries and heads of departments to review coordination and recruitment plans ahead of the schedule announcement for the 13th national election and referendum. The meeting reached a preliminary decision to set up two secret voting booths inside a single polling room for conducting the national election and referendum simultaneously.

He disclosed this after Sunday’s meeting with the secretaries and department heads.

The senior secretary said next year’s national election combined with the referendum will be the largest electoral exercise. The EC has sought improved coordination between field administration and law enforcement agencies.

He said the allowances of officials involved in election duties have been increased so they avoid accepting hospitality from local political figures.

Akhtar Ahmed added that around 100,000 expatriates have registered to vote so far. Based on mock voting results, the commission believes there is no need to increase the number of polling centres or rooms—only the number of secret booths.

He also noted that the law-and-order situation is stable, though some isolated incidents are expected.