The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Saturday imposed a ban on the transfer and leave of district returning officers (DROs), returning officers (ROs), and assistant returning officers (AROs) ahead of general elections.
In a letter addressed to the secretary establishment, chief secretaries of the four provinces, and chief commissioner Islamabad, the ECP mandated the prohibition to remain in effect until the culmination of the election period.
The directive explicitly restricts the aforementioned election officials from seeking transfers or taking leaves during this critical time, while the ban extends beyond the electoral officers to include DEOs engaged in the election process, emphasizing the ECP's commitment to maintaining a stable and consistent team throughout the electoral proceedings.
Sources within the ECP, speaking on the condition of anonymity, revealed that the commission faced a challenge in appointing officers for crucial roles such as DROs and ROs due to the judiciary's refusal to spare judges from lower courts.
The ECP official acknowledged the potential influence on bureaucrats by those in power, underscoring the necessity of ensuring an unbiased electoral process.
The law specifies that DROs are tasked with coordinating and supervising all election-related activities in the district, subject to the superintendence, directions, and control of the ECP. This move comes as a precautionary measure to mitigate any potential external pressures and maintain the sanctity of the electoral process.
Additionally, the ECP has issued a notification extending the ban to all government officials in federal and provincial governments, prohibiting transfers and leaves until the completion of the election process. In cases of illness, officials are required to submit a medical certificate for leave.
Furthermore, the Election Commission has explicitly instructed officers of the education department to remain stationed in their respective cities to partake in election training, reinforcing the commitment to thorough preparations for the upcoming general elections.
