Handbook Lies District Returning Officers General Elections-2024Foreword Under Article 218 of the Constitution of Islamic Republic of Pakistan, it is the duty of Election Commission of Pakistan to organize and conduct elections and to make such arrangements as are necessary to ensure that the election is conducted honestly, justly, fairly and in accordance with law. In this regard, Election Commission of Pakistan is taking all necessary measures to conduct elections in the country professionally. The conduct of election takes place by mutual collaboration of various institutions, therefore ECP requires assistance of all executive authorities in the federation and in the provinces for discharge of its functions. High professional standards and commitments are required to hold free, fair and transparent elections. In this regard, the role of District Returning Officers (DROs) is of vital importance. Their neutrality and fairness are critical in ensuring that the ECP is able to play its constitutional role and contribute towards strengthening democratic norms in the country. | strongly believe that quality elections are pre-requisites towards sustainable democracy. I must underline the fact that elections are a complex enterprise, time bound in nature, massive in scale and multidimensional in impact. These conditions require that election officials in whatever capacity they are contributing in the conduct of elections, must be trained with necessary skills and expertise. am glad to introduce the Handbook for District Returning Officers (DROs) in line with changing legal and procedural requirements for the conduct of quality elections. The Handbook covers all important tasks which an officer working in the capacity of a DRO must know. I believe this Handbook will be useful for the DROs and will provide them with all the necessary information. | expect the officers to be responsive, learn election laws, processes and better ways for smooth conduct of elections. Let us put together all our skills, resources and energies to play a part in conduct of elections honestly, justly, fairly in accordance with law towards an ‘inclusive and peaceful democratic process. Sikandar Sultan Raja Chief Election Commissioner of Pakistan IslamabadTable of Contents Part ting the Sta 1 [ Elections 2_| Electoral Processes 4 3 [Command of the Commission as Mandated by the Constitution 5 Part 2: Roles and Responsibilities During Conduct of Election 4. | Election Commission of Pakistan 3 5_[ Provincial Election Commissioner 3 | District Returning Officer 10 7_| Returning Officer 1 @_|_ Assistant Returning Officer 2 9 | Regional Election Commissioner 7 10_| District Election Commissioner B 11_| District Monitoring Teams B 12_| Presiding Officer “4 13_ | Senior Assistant Presiding Officer/Assistant Presiding Officer 16 14_| Polling Officer 7 15 | Security Personnel (Police/Law Enforcement Agencies) 7 16 | Election Agents @ 17_| Polling Agents 20 18 | Election Observers and Media (National/Intemational) 2 19_| Professional Ethics for Election Officials 2 Bees fet tan 20__| Domain of the District Returning Officer 35 2i_|_1. Oath 6 22_|__2. Communication and Coordination 7 23_|_ A. Communication/ Coordination with ECP/PEC 28 24_| B. Communication/ Coordination with REC/DEC 2 25__|_€. Communication and Coordination with Returning Officers 30 26 | D. Preliminary Meeting with District Administration and Law Enforcement Agencies 2 27_|_E. Communication and Coordination with Political Parties and Contesting Candidates 3 2_|_ F. Communication and Coordination with Media and Election Observers 36 29_| Accreditation Card for Election Observers/Media 7 30_| Information Flow and Reporting Channel for DRO and ROs 38 31_| 3. Supervision 3 32_| A Implementation of ECP/PEC Directives and Instruction 0 33_| B. Provision of Logistics & Facilities a 34_|_€. Provision and Distribution of Election Material a 35_|_D. Maintenance of Law and Order e 36_|E, Compliance with Laws @ Rules 4 37_|_F Timely Completion of Election Activities 6 36_|_ G. Implementation of Code of Conduct % 39_|_H. Implementation of Security/ Contingency Plan for Mitigation of Electoral Violence W 40_| 4. Approvals 8 “at_|_ 5. Financial Management a “a2_| 6. Problem Solving 3 aoa 33APO. ARO CrP ECP EMS bc DEC DEO DMT DMO DPO DRO LEA MO Po PEC Pro REC RO RRF Acronyms Assistant Presiding Officer Assistant Returning Officer Criminal Procedure Code Election Commission of Pakistan Election Management System Deputy Commissioner District Election Commissioner Data Entry Operator District Monitoring Team District Monitoring Officer District Police Officer District Returning Officer Law Enforcement Agency Monitoring Officer Polling Officer Provincial Election Commissioner Presiding Officer Regional Election Commissioner Regional Monitoring Coordinator Returning Officer Rapid Response Force Quick Response ForceSetting deonle ttetatty agreed Transparent elections CRIN ele otra gla There must be universal suffrage in each election. Every citizen who is 18 years of age and has obtained an NIC and registered as a voter has the right to vote and every citizen who is 25 years of age can contest elections for National Assembly/ Provincial Assemblies. All registered voters including women, transgender persons and persons with disabilities should be encouraged to participate in the Electoral Processes and cast their votes in an election for the candidates of their choice. The election officials and law enforcement agencies (LEAs) must perform their duties as per legal mandate, in a non-partisan and professional manner during the election process.Electoral Processes Appointment of District Returning Officers (DROs), Returning Officers (ROs) and Assistant Returning Officers (AROs) sixty days prior to the issuance of Election Programme {Sections 50, 51 52) Notification of Election programme sect 7 FINALIZING CANDIDATES Issuance of Public Notice inviting nominations Filing of Nomination Papers by Candidates Publication of names of nominated Candidates: Scrutiny of Nomination Papers List of Vatidly Nominated Candidates ‘Appeals against Decisions of Returning Officer Decision by the Appellate Tribunal Publication of revised list of Candidates Withdrawal of Candidature List of Contesting Candidates and allotment of election symbols. Retirement of Candidates neg 1 PREPARATION FOR ELECTIONS Collection of updated Electoral Rolls T Preparation of List of Polling Stations T Appointment & Training of Polling Personnel a Preparation of Contingency Plan including ‘Transport, Health Emergency, Security and ‘Communication Plan T Receiving and bulk breaking of, Election Material T Receiving and bulk breaking of Ballot Papers T Dispatch of Election Material to the polling stations along with polling staff Confirmation of arrival of Election Material ‘and polling staff at the polling station 1 [ I I 1 Calection esas fnmure that|| forme conveying costa tat | FE compton | COM sume | ecountng | Erma dadctedin| © Fatevat ||| provstona otnetce | "Srbato | savmssn a ezeatin pot || accordance) Seeang’ || Press. || fends to consaton) PAPE | Formade | “Treg wainthe, | PRES | ess occa cP station | taeda tow || en ontormea? verter tng Toftiers Ahelpdesk will be established at ECP Secretariat and in all Provincial Election Commissioners (PEC's) offices to resolve the technical and operational issues ore Rodale cal Cure ca soak) )Command of the Commission as mandated by the Constitution Article 220 of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan “It shall be the duty of all executive authorities in the Federation and in the Provinces to assist the Commissioner and the Election Commission in the discharge of his or their functions.” Therefore, the RO under Article 220 read with Section 5 of the Elections Act 2017, may ask any relevant executive authority or functionary for assistance in the conduct of free, fair and impartial elections, subject to the directions issued by the Election Commission.Roles and Responsibilities During Conduct of ElectionElection Commission of Pakistan (ECP) 1. Registration of political parties and allocation of election symbols tothem Jy 2. Appointment of DROs, ROs, and AROs 3. Notification of Election programme (Appointing date & time for various electoral activities of an election) 4, Appointment of District Monitoring Officers and Monitoring Teams 5. Appointment of Appellate Tribunals 6. Delegating magisterial powers to DROs, ROs, Presiding Officers and Il | designated officers of Law Enforcement Agencies 7. Allocation of funds to the PECs for onward allocation to the DROs and ROs for conduct of elections 8. Directions to all relevant authorities as are necessary for conduct of elections 9. Printing of Ballot Papers and supply to ROs 10. Declaring an election void, if less than 10% women votes cast at a constituency/a polling station/ polling stations 11. Approval for making changes in the list of Polling Staff as well as in the list of polling stations 12. Disposal of pre-poll, poll day and post-poll complaints/petitions 13. Notification of returned candidates 14. Appointment of Election Tribunals 15. Ensuring that political parties have given at least 5% ticket to women on general seats 16.To act as Election Tribunal before expiry of 60 days after publication of name of the Returned Candidate Teeside Wace li ili] ner (PEC) 1, Administering oath to DROs (Form-27) 2. Liaison with the ECP Secretariat, RECs, DECs, DROs, ROs and other relevant officers and stakeholders 3. Coordination for communication of decisions of Appellate Tribunals on appeals against acceptance rejection of nomination papers by RO 4, Appoint/depute DEOs with RO for the operation of EMS as per ECP directions and approved SOPs Provision of requisite IT equipment/ gadgets to the ROs as per policy Ensure transmission of lists of contesting candidates to ECP received from ROs through DROs Provide funds to DROs and ROs for conduct of elections as per policy Arrange publication of final list of polling stations in the official gazette Supply of election material and ballot papers to ROs through DRO ge eneas 0. To ensure disposal of pre-poll, poll day and post-poll complaints in accordance with law by all concernedDistrict Returning Officer (DRO) Taking oath from PEC (Form-27) Liaison with PEC, REC, DEC, RO and district administration Administering oath to ROs and AROs Disposal of objections/suggestions filed against the draft list of polling stations within specified timeframe 5. Approval and notifying list of polling stations and sending it to PEC for publication in official gazette 6. Approval of the list of polling staff 7. Declaring polling stations as highly sensitive and sensitive in accordance with security assessment by the District Administration and Law enforcement agencies 8. Provision of funds (allocated by ECP) to the ROs as per rates prescribed by the Commission 9. Rendering of fully vouched accounts of expenditure of funds allocated by the Commission 10. Submit all required information/data relating to all stages of election to the PEC with a copy to REC and DEC 11.Coordinate and supervise electoral activities in the district ensuring that all acti according to the timelines set by the ECP 12. Arrange prompt dispatch of lists of contesting candidates on Form-33 to PEC in soft as well as in hard form for printing of ballot papers 13. Bulk breaking and supply of Election Material to Ros 14, Ensuring training of all polling staff in coordination with DEC through PEC and ECP's training academy (PADRM) 15, Ensuring that sufficient quantity of all required election material is available with Ros 16. Ensuring supply of extra election material ifneeded 17. Confirmation of proper arrangements for the poll a day prior to the poll day (stage set) 18. Confirmation of start of polling on poll day 19. Ensuring the communication of provisional results (Form-47) from ROs to the PEC/ECP 20. Disposal of complaints received by him and compiling a complete record of complaints with actions taken 21. Ensuring that proper contingency transportation and communication plan are in place for safe transportation of election material and staff to and from the polling station. 22. Develop a district response plan to respond to emergencies that may affect the smooth conduct of elections in the district 23. Supply copies of all information/data/reports at the end of each activity to the PEC/ECP 24, Ensuring prompt dispatch of Forms-45, 46,47,48 and Form-49 to the PEC/ECP received from the ROs 25.Facilitation of District Monitoring Officers (DMOs) and Monitoring teams appointed by the Election Commission in the discharge of their duties AYN o ies are 26. Issuing accreditation cards to domestic observers and mediaReturning Officer (RO) Take oath from DRO (Form-27) Issue publicnotice Receive nomination papers from candidates Scrutinize candidates’ nomination papers as per law Visit polling stations as proposed by the DEC in draft list of polling stations pees 6. Place outside of his/her office, the preliminary list of polling stations, for inviting objections and suggestions, if any, within prescribed period 7. Submit preliminary list of polling stations (Form-28) to the DRO for approval in soft form in a USB as well asa hard copy 8. Submit draft list of polling staff (Form-25) to the DRO for approval 9. Appoint polling staff at the polling stations (Form-26) 10. Issue postal ballots to the entitled persons 11. Coordinate with DEC for proper training to the Polling Staff 12. Administer oath to the Presiding Officers 13. Ensure that the trained staff appointed for poll shall not be replaced with untrained staff 14,Prepare communication, transportation and security plan (in coordination with DC, LEAs) for safe transportation of election material and Polling staff to the polling station under security cover 15. Develop a constituency wise response plan to respond to emergencies that may impact the conduct of elections in the constituency 16.As per Rule-64 and SOP of ECP, preparation of polling bags of election material for use at polling stations well before dispatch to polling stations 17. Ensure that sufficient quantity of all required election material is available and packed in polling bags as per prescribed scale. 18. Ensuring extra supply of election material if needed. 19. Coordination and supervision of electoral activities in his/her jurisdiction 20. Arrange prompt dispatch of lists of contesting candidates (Form-33) upon finalization in soft and hard form for printing of ballot papers to the PEC through DEC concerned 21.Confirm the DRO about the setting of stage for the conduct of elections i.e completion of all administrative arrangements for the conduct of poll on poll day 22. Confirm start of poll on Election Day 23.Collect results of the count (Form-45) from Presiding Officer (manually and through special mobile app) 24, Compile provisional result on Form-47 25.Generate provisional result (Form-47) through EMS and communicate it to the ECP/DEC or as directed by the Election Commission26. Supervise Data Entry operators for smooth working of EMS 27. Issuance of notice to all contesting candidates for consolidation of results 28. Result consolidation (Form-48 & Form-49) through EMS 29. Exercise magisterial powers, wherever required 30. Disposal of election complaints received directly, from the Commission or DRO and maintain a complete record of complaints with action taken 31. Deposit of polling bags i.e. Tamper Evident Bag (TEB Ill) in the treasury, sub-treasury or strong rooms as per ECP’s directions 32. Ensure that all activities are being done according to the timelines set by the ECP 33. Close coordination with PEC, REC, DEC and other stakeholders. 34. Handing over unused election material to the DEC concerned 35. Provision of copies of all information/data/reports/comments at the end of each activity to the PEC/ECP Note: All the above mentioned forms will be generated/transmitted through EMS. | EN Assistant Returning Officer (ARO) Assist the Returning Officer in performance of his/her functions under the law and perform specific duties as assigned by respective RO The ARO shall NOT: 1. Receive and/or scrutinize nomination papers 2. Consolidate results 3. Assume any of the functions of the RO on his own accord without prior permission from the Election Commission | (3 Regional Election Commissioner (REC) 1. Liaison among key stakeholders in the election process, in particular, PEC, DEC, DRO, RO and DMO/MTs_ Supervise supply of election material to DROs and ROs Direct supervision of all DECs under his/her jurisdiction Perform the duty as RMC (Regional Monitoring Coordinator) Any other duty assigned by the ECP sy ew Ensure that all election activities are carried out in the Division smoothly and in accordance with lawand directions of the Election CommissionPyES data veer MM esi Clam |) 1) 1. Convey directives/instructions from ECP Secretariat/PEC to DRO/RO- 2. Provide Electoral Rolls to ROs and contesting candidates as per SOPs issued by ECP 3. Issue extracts of the electoral rolls to contesting candidates 4. Liaise between relevant authorities i.e PEC, REC, DRO, RO, District Administration etc 5. Identify possible polling sites and take its GEO coordinates/ GEO tagging of and provide draft lists (manual as well as soft) to ROs 6. Supply of draft list of polling stations to the ROs 7. Supply of list of polling staff to the DRO 8. Supply the lists of contesting candidates to PECs as received from RO 9. Provide technical assistance to DRO and RO whenever required District Monitoring Teams (DMTs) DMO and Monitoring Officers (MOs) are appointed by the Election Commission in pursuance of section 234 of Elections Act 2017 for each district and constituency. The DMO decides the complaints registered or observed by monitoring teams and other stakeholders regarding violation of any provision of the Elections Act 2017, Election Rules 2017, code of conduct and the directives of Honorable Election Commission issued from time to time during election campaign. 1. Liaise with DRO, ROs, DEC, REC, District Administrations, Law Enforcement Agencies and contesting candidates 2. MOs will monitor the election campaign of political parties and candidates during an election, with in his/her Jurisdiction and submit reports to DMO 3. DMO, after holding summary inquiry, will issue speaking orders and share the same with ECP 4, DMO and MOs will also monitor the pre-poll, poll day and post-poll activities 5. Submit monitoring report to ECP Secretariat /PEC as per directions by ECP on prescribed formatPresiding Officer (PrO) 1, Take oath from RO (Form-27) 2. Attend training arranged by the ECP / RO 3. Administer oath to polling staff of his/her polling station on Form-27 4, Liaison with the Returning Officer, Assistant Presiding Officers and Polling Officers 5. Receive election material from Returning Officer as per Packing Invoice (Form-36) and report missing items immediately, if any 6. Ensure that there is no campaign sign or literature within a radius of 100 meters of the polling station and there are no campaign camps, or attempts to solicit or persuade voters, within 400 meters radius of polling station 7. Ensure that Pictorial Electoral Rolls (with photograph of voters) provided by the Returning Officer is used at the polling station 8. Visit the polling station prior to poll day, to ensure proper arrangements for poll and security of the election material at the Polling Station 9. Arrange separate entry and exit points for male and female voters if it is a combined polling station 10. Ensure the attendance of the polling staff at polling station two hours before the start of the poll 11. Check the authority letters/accreditation card of polling agents, election agent, observers and media 12.Make sure to split the Electoral Roll, polling booth wise 13, Seal the ballot boxes with the plastic seals and ensure that unique code numbers of the seals have been noted by polling agents (Form-42) 14. Ensure placement of Screened Off Compartments at an appropriate place in a polling booth so that secrecy of each voter is ensured 15. Take a full review of all security arrangements at polling station and other than voters allow entry to authorized persons only i.e candidates, polling agents, election agent or persons having accreditation card from the Election Commission, the DRO or RO 16, Ensure start and close of the poll according to time specified by ECP 17.Note the number of the Official Code Mark Stamp while handing it over to respective Assistant Presiding Officer so that he/she can be identified and accounted for in case of any mistake or omission 18. Maintain law and order at polling station 19. Fill all required forms carefully and timely 20. Ensure that only voters registered on the Electoral Roll and assigned to that polling station, are permitted to vote21. Ensure that observers, polling staff. polling agents, election agents and candidates conduct themselves as per the Code of Conduct, issued by the Election Commission 22.Ensure persons with disabilities, elderly persons, expecting mothers and transgender are facilitated at polling station 23. Allow companion to the voter who is blind or is otherwise so incapacitated that he cannot vote without companion to help him/her in casting his/her vote as per law 24, Contact the Returning Officer in case of emergency 25. Open ballot boxes in front of Election Agent/Polling Agents present at the polling station and conduct the counting of vote correctly 26.After completion of the vote count, prepare Result of the Count (Form-45) and Ballot Paper Account (Form-46), provide copy to the Polling Agents, Election Agents and affix its copies outside the polling station at a prominent place 27.After completion of the counting of ballot papers, transmit the result of the count (Form-45) through specialized mobile app to the Returning Officer/ECP 28.Pack and hand over the Result of the Count (Form-45), Ballot Papers Account (Form-46) in Tamper Evident Bags (TEB-I) and polling bags containing used/unused election material separately to the Returning Officer 29. Hand over to the RO concerned, the record of Summary Trial (if any) made while exercising the powers of a Magistrate First Class 30. Ensure that the remuneration is paid to the polling staff, the signatures on Acquittance Roll have been obtained and the same is handed over to the Returning Officer 31. Ensure to keep a copy of Form-45 and Form-46 for own record In case the Presiding Officer is convinced during or at any stage of the polling process that the women are being prevented from exercising their right of vote under some specific arrangement or deal, he/ she will send a special report about this matter to the Returning Officer.s['} Senior Assistant Presiding Officer/ Assistant Presiding Officer One of the APOs is designated as Sr. Assistant Presiding Officer by the Returning Officer to act as Presiding Officer, in the absence of Presiding Officer. Assistant Presiding Officer is designated for each polling booth for issuance of ballot papers to voters. The responsibilities of the Assistant Presiding Officer are as follows: 1. Take oath from Presiding Officer (Form-27) 2. Reach at the polling station at least two hours prior to the start of the poll 3. Fillrelevant information correctly on counterfoil of the ballot papers 4, Obtain the thumb impression of the voter on the space provided on the counterfoil: left thumb impression for male voters and right thumb impression for female voters 5. Affix official code mark stamp on the front of counter foil and sign it and obtain thumb impression the voter on counter foil 6. Affix official code mark stamp along with signature at the back of ballot papers and issue ballot paper toa voter 7. Ink the marking aid stamp and guide the voter on how to mark the ballot paper 8. Guide voters towards the screened of compartment and ensure that the voter has inserted the marked ballot paper in the ballot box 9. Retrieve the marking aid stamp from the voter 10. Assist the Presiding Officer in performance of his/ her duties 11. Perform any other function assigned to him/her by the Presiding Officer 12. After the close of the poll, assist the Presiding Officer in vote counting, result preparation, packing of election material, communication of the result and handing over of election material tothe RO Note: Senior Assistant Presiding Officer is required to sign and put thumb impression on Form-45 and 46. Ty = =8—#s( a€Wi Berea) 1. Take oath from the Presiding Officer (Form-27) 2, Reach the Polling station at least two hours prior to the start of the poll 3. Check the original National Identity Card (NIC) of voter and compare the photograph and details with those provided in the Electoral Rolls 4, Callout loudly the name and serial number of the voter concerned from the electoral roll 5. Examine the cuticle of the right thumb of each voter to check any traces of indelible ink to ascertain whether the voter has already voted 6. Apply indelible ink to the cuticle of the right thumb of each voter and wait for a few seconds for the ink to dry up (If the voter doesn't have right thumb then mark the index finger with indelible ink) 7. Affix the left thumb impression, of the male voter and right thumb impression of the female voter in the column next to the voters’ photograph in the Electoral Rolls 8. Strike off the name of the voter from the electoral rolls with a straight line except photograph and thumb impression of the voter before guiding him/her towards the APO 9. Assist the Presiding Officer and Assistant Presiding Officer in the performance of his/ her duties 10.Perform any other function assigned to him/ her by the Presiding Officer or Assistant Presiding Officer 1P% Security Personnel (Police/Law Enforcement Agencies) 1. Take oath from concerned head of the department (Form-27) 2. Ensure safe transportation of election material and polling staff tothe polling station 3. Maintain law and order outside the polling station 4. Ensure that the voters are properly queued 5. Remove any sign, notice or flag of any contesting candidates, intended to influence voters within 100 meters of the polling station as per the instructions of the Presiding Officer 6. Not allow any campaign camps of the contesting candidates in the radius of 400 meters of the polling station and to ensure that no attempts are being made to persuade voters to cast their votes in favor of any candidate within the specified area 7. Provide assistance on the instructions of the Presiding Officer in case of emergency inside the polling station 78. Ensure that a voter does not bring a mobile phone or any device that can be used to take pictures in the polling station 9. Not to interfere in voting and counting process at all 10.Report any emergency situation or any evolving threat outside the polling station to the concerned police officer incharge as well as the Presiding Officer 11, Remove any person violating election laws from the polling station and take proper action as per the instructions of the Presiding Officer 12. Ensure safety of election material before, during and after the poll 13. Ensure safe transportation of election material from Returning Officer’s office to Polling Station and back According to the Code of Criminal Procedure 1898, on the orders of Presiding Officer a police officer can arrest a person without a warrant who interferes with polling process or cause any disruption in the smooth polling process During the Electoral Processes the police is responsible to take action: 1. If a person is found guilty of impersonating another voter, he/she can be arrested on the orders of the Presiding Officer 2. If a person who has been removed from the polling station on the orders of the Presiding Officer and attempts to re-enter the polling station without the permission of the Presiding Officer 3. Ifaperson tries to remove any notice or banner of the Election Commission 4. If a person tries to use any such instrument or apparatus which creates noise or disturbance at the polling station, the police officer can confiscate the instrument/ apparatus. In order to keep the situation in control the police officer must take necessary and appropriate action which includes use of force 5. Compliance with orders issued by the Presiding Officer/RO/DRO-| 13 FSCS nS Acandidate may appoint three voters of respective constituency as his/her election agents and shall send to the Returning Officer a notice in writing of the appointment containing the names, fathers names and addresses of the Election Agents. 1. Election Agents are authorized to observe the scrutiny of nomination papers, polling process and consolidation of result Election agents nominated by candidate are authorized to access all the polling stations of the relevant constituency . Anotice in writing mentioning particulars of election agent along with copy of NIC will be sent to the RO by the contesting candidate for issuance of authority letter by the RO Authority letter issued by the Returning Officer, must be available with the Election Agents at all times 5. They can obtain a copy of the Result of the Count (Form-45) and Ballot Paper Account (Form-46) Election Agents neither can give a direction to the Presiding Officer nor they can interfere or facilitate him/her in polling process Election Agents cannot speak to any voter within the polling station as it may cause hindrance or interruption in the polling process Election Agents cannot capture and cause damage to any election materials. Both these offences are punishable At the time of consolidation of the result only one Election Agent shall be present as authorized byacandidate Candidate, Election Agent, Polling Agent, Observer and voters are not allowed to take any security guard/person, weapon, cell Phone, camera or any electronic device inside the polling station.Polling Agen‘ The contesting candidate or his/her election agent may, before the commencement of the poll, appoint under intimation to the Presiding Officer, polling agents for each polling station, provided that the number of polling agents shall not exceed the number of polling booths. APolling Agent will: 1. Present his/her National Identity Card and the authority letter from the candidate to the Presiding Officer 2. Observe that all ballot boxes are empty before the start of the poll and note down the code numbers of plastic seals after the boxes have been sealed and put his/her signature on Form-42 3. Listen to the name and serial number of every voter when it is called out by Polling Officer from the Electoral Rolls and strike it off from the copy of the electoral rolls with him/her 4, Challenge any voter who has come as an impersonator or someone who is not eligible to cast vote 5. Observe the counting process- only one polling agent of each candidate is allowed to observe the counting process 6. Observe packing process and sign all relevant packets and forms as and when asked by the Presiding Officer 7. Sign Result of the Count (Form-45) and Ballot Paper Account (Form-46) . Collect a copy of the Result of the Count (Form-45) and Ballot Paper Account (Form-46) from the Presiding Officer 9. Inform the Presiding Officer about any misconduct or irregularities observed during the polling or counting process 10. Notice that Presiding Officer has transmitted Form-45 to RO office as per directions or SOPs Restare cudt cues 1. Directly question, or otherwise speak to, any voters while inside the polling station or interfere with the polling process. 2. Seize any materials, including ballot papers, Electoral Rolls or any other election material. 3. Argue with polling staff or create such issues that are deemed as interference with the polling process. 4. Communicate incorrect and misleading information to the candidate or his/her Election Agent.4-3 Election Observers and Media (Domestic/ sue LCL) . The ECP/PEC and DRO can issue an election observer accreditation cards to Domestic Election Observers and Media personnel, while ECP issues election observation accreditation cards to international election observers and media . Observe all stages of the polling process, except marking of a ballot paper by a voter . Observe the counting of vote and if he/ she intends, sign the Result of the Count (Form-45) and Ballot Paper Account (Form- 46) and transmission of result of the count (Form-45) PS cy eeu teh arts) Pe IE) representative must not: + Display his/her accreditation card at all times + Show neutrality at all stages + Obey any order passed by the Presiding Officer or the Assistant Presiding Officer + Be-aware of the social, religious norms and values + Carefully study Code of Conduct issued by ECP and adhere to it at all times + Take control of the ballot papers and Electoral Rolls or any election material + Interfere with or influence the polling process + Intimidate the Presiding Officer or any polling staff, or give any guidance/ instructions to them + Shall not speak with the voter at the polling station Pea ney OFPAKISTAN OFPAKISTAN Peres PT Sure ELECTION COMMISSION (@ Coc) SS CyProfessional Ethics for Election Officials DROs, ROs and AROs to ensure that all their actions are according to the following standards The integrity of the election process is compromised if an election official accepts any enticements offered by anyone wishing to influence the election results. Such incentives must be guarded against. All laws must be followed in their true spirit. Showing of any leniency causes biasness in the election process. ‘Neutrality Political opinions must not be allowed to influence the sphere of electoral duties, even subtle expression of political opinion compromises the neutrality of elections. Such expressions during the election process must be avoided. To ensure neutrality, all political parties and candidates are treated equally and the voters have full freedom to express their choice in accordance with law Transparency To ensure transparency, all interested voters should have the opportunity to file an objection against the nomination of a candidate Public and voters must be provided opportunity to inspect the record and papers as they are entitled by the law. The list of nominated, validly nominated and contesting candidates must be clearly displayed so as to allow accessibility of the lists to the concerned individuals. Polling agents, election agents, candidates, media and observers must be allowed to observe the election process “we Fairness For a free, fair and just election process, voters, polling agents, candidates and observers must be treated with equality, regardless of their gender, ethnic origin, religion or political affiliationDNueNeeD ieee aah gslitemeeoyDomain of the District Returning Officer ‘A DRO is appointed by the Commission to coordinate and supervise all the work pertaining to the conduct of election in the district. The DRO shall perform other duties and functions assigned to him by the Commission (Section 50 of the Elections Act, 2017) Function of the District Returning Officer Oath Taking Approval SE ee1. Oath a. Taking of Oath from PEC b. Administering Oath to ROs and AROs in the district ELECTION COMMISSION OF PAKISTAN FORM-27 [see rule 49(1)] OATH BY ELECTION OFFICIALS L .. (name) do solemnly swear that during my appointment as at (polling station) (constituency) (district), in connection with conduct of General Elections / Local Government Elections / Bye~ election (year), I will discharge my duties and perform my functions, honestly, to the best of my ability, faithfully, in accordance with the provisions of the Elections Act, 2017 and the Election Rules 2017 and in accordance with directions of the Election Commission of Pakistan without any fear or favour, affection or ill-will, and that I will not allow my personal interest to influence my official conduct and decisions. Signature of election official National Identity Card No, = = Designation of election official .......ccccsssseeeeesesen District / Agency .....ese. Signature of officer administering the oath. Designation ....ccseescsereenseee Place of posting ... Daten = "Sik of he words not applicable2. Communication and Coordination The DRO will communicate and coordinate with the following stakeholders. Election Commission of Pakistan/ Provincial Election Commissioner gui Media and Election Observers Regional Election Commissioner/ District Election Commissioner Political Parties and Contesting Candidates Returning Officer D District Administration and Law Enforcement AgenciesA. Communication/Coordination with ECP/PEC Election Commission of Pakistan/ Provincial Election Commissioner + Implementation of directives and sending Reports to r ECP/PEC as and when M1 required + Guidance regarding election process/procedures + Submission of lists of contesting candidates + Directives/ instructions (obtained from RO) related to electoral process + Seek approval after + Dispatch of election material notification of any change in the list of polling stations and polling personnel + Demand any relevant information from the districts + Confirm regarding ‘stage set for polling’ a day before poll + Confirm timely start of the poll + Communication of result of the count and provisional result (obtained from ROs) = Constituting monitoring teams + Coordination for submitting final consolidated result by the ROs to the ECP = 4 pro/ District Returning Officer + Disposal of complaints received from ECP/PEC/REC/DEC promptly according the relevant laws, rules and ECP's instructions + Supplying copies of all information/data/reports/comments to the PEC/ECP as and when requiredB. Communication/Coordination with Regional Election Commissioner / District Election Commissioner (REC/DEC) y\ District Returning Officer + Provides information as and when required + Asks for information from , . , FRSC Se + Maintains close liaison with the REC and DEC as prcmens as directed by representatives of the ECP + Contacts in case of shortage + Provides technical assistance of election material as and when required + Seeks technical assistance as and when required a) Regional Election Commissioner / District Election Commissioner (REC/DEC)C. Communication and Coordination with Returning Officers Provides information vis-a- vis election as and when requested Seeks guidance/clarification about election processes and procedures Obtains approval of polling Stations and polling staff Receives election material and informs in case of shortage, informs in case of any emergency and problem Apprises in case of complaints and grievances District Returning Officer —_ a {no Returning Officer Holds preliminary meeting with all the ROs Conveys directives/ instructions ‘issued by ECP/PEC vis-a-vis the electoral process Issues specific instructions if asked to do so by ECP/PEC Provides election material and resolves shortages if any Obtains list of contesting candidates and other election data Receives and resolves complaints and grievances Provides guidance/ clarifications as and when required Ensures that ROs are available and. in position to start work Approves list of polling station and polling staff Ensures that all ROs have: + Made necessary arrangements for bulk breaking and packing of sensitive and non-sensitive ‘material in polling bags + Made proper arrangements for dispatch of staff and material under security cover and vehicles are available as planned, + Transportation and Security plans are in place for safe transportation of polling material and staff + Confirmed proper arrangements for polling day before the poll + Confirmed the start of poll on Election Day from the Presiding Officers + Implemented EMS in true spiritPreliminary Meeting with Returning Officers In order to ensure smooth conduct of elections, DRO should hold a preliminary meeting with all ROs as soon as the election program is announced and discuss with them the election time line, role and responsibilities of ROs and how to do work in an effective manner by setting targets as per election program, identifying the risks and challenges, chalking out complaints resolution mechanism and evolving their mitigation strategies. Roles & Responsibilities of key players in the elections (ECP/PEC, REC/DEC, DRO, ARO, Presiding Officer and polling 1 Roles & staff, district administration, line departments, police/law Responsibilities enforcement agencies, observers, media, political parties, candidates, election agents, polling agents etc.) should be discussed in detail. The election program and timeline of the election activities Election as decided by the Election Commission should be shared. It 2 Timelines should be highlighted that all activities are accomplished as per timeline set by ECP or given in the law. . DRO will discuss in detail about their key role and 3 ee Officers | responsibilities. He will make sure that all the ROs are on eee board and committed to the activities ahead. A good idea would be to brainstorm possible problems/issues that could occur. This would allow ROs to share their concerns regarding the electoral process. An effort should be made to highlight all unforeseen problems. 4 Challenges/Issues Along with identification of each problem, a mitigating 5 _| Mitigation/Resolution | strategy should be devised and agreed upon. This way the Strategies DROs and ROs can collectively strategize courses of action to follow in case of emergencies. Ensuring strict compliance of the codes of conduct issued by 6 Code of Conduct | the ECP. All the stakeholders should observe their respective part of codes of conduct. > SasD. Communication and Coordination with District Administration and Law Enforcement Agencies a. Preliminary Meeting In order to ensure smooth conduct of the elections, DRO should hold a preliminary meeting with district administration and law enforcement agencies as soon as possible after his/her appointment. DRO should ensure that the following agenda points are discussed in detail in the meeting: The election program and timeline decided by the ECP for 1 Election election activities should be shared. It should be highlighted Timeline that all activities will be accomplished as per timeline set by ECP or given in the law. Provision of transport to the DRO and ROs: 1. Facilitate DRO and RO for transportation of election material and polling staff to and from the polling station Logistic 2. Provision of human resource (polling staff, security 2 Support personnel and health staff) to the DRO and RO for smooth conduct of election. Provision of list of staff from all the departments to be appointed as Presiding Officers, APOs and Polling Officers and ensuring their attendance. To ensure peaceful environment during election campaign, 3 lawandlorden on poll day and post poll activities, devise a district security/ contingency plan for each of the constituency. To ensure strict implementation of the code of conduct for Implementation of en i t 4 Political Parties and contesting candidates issued by ECP so Codelof Conduct | at a level playing field is provided to all contestants. To ensure provision of logistic support to monitoring teams Monitoring of " : 5 | election Campaign | To discuss the matter regarding monitoring of election campaign through monitoring teams. aT =8=—=si‘ a”b, Communication and Coordination with District Administration and other Departments District Returning Officer + Provide assistance and + Seeks assistance and human human resource at various resource at various stages of stages of the election the election process proces + Asks for government vehicles + Provide government vehicles from their department for for use of DROs/ROs during use of DROs/ROs during the the election election + Provide lists of Government + Ensure installation of officials for appointing them telephone and internet as polling staff facilities for use of DROs & + Provide list of Government Ros during the elections building for setting up of + Ensuring that district polling stations administration complies with . all directives issued by the + Provide telephone and ECP and implementation of internet facilities to DROs code of conduct by the and ROs stakeholders District Administration and other Departments > aec, Communication and Coordination with Police/Law Enforcement Agencies + Consult DRO before finalizing contingency plan + Incorporate input from DRO. while developing security/ contingency plan for the election + Share security plan and receive feedback and adjust the plan if needed + Provide security on poll day for safe transportation and dispatch of election materials and polling staff to and from the polling station + Provide immediate assistance in case of emergencies District Returning Officer Police/Law Enforcement Agencies Seeks assistance and human resource during the election process for maintenance of law and order Ensure that Law Enforcement Agencies provide secure and safe transportation of polling staff and election material to and from the polling station Ensure that immediate assistance through RRF/QRF is provided in case of emergencies Review the security/ contingency plan for maintaining law and order during the pre-poll, poll day and post-poll. periodE. Communication and Coordination with Political Parties and Contesting Candidates N District Returning Officer + Submit grievances for resolution + Apprise political parties and + Adhere to Law/Rules and the candidates of Codes of Code of Conduct Conduct for adhere + Play their role conduct of in + Receive and resolve peacefulelection complaints of candidates, + Seeking copies of information ae Cae] and documents as are admissible under the rules Political Parties and Contesting Candidates > aeF. Communication and Coordination with Media and Election Observers + Apply for Accreditation Card to observe the Elections + Provide all required documents with the application + Sign the Code of Conduct as for observers or media the case maybe, to ensure it is correctly understood + Report grievances of the observation + Seek updated information/ data about elections + Share any irregularity observed during election process District Returning Officer Note: Accreditation cards for ‘international observers are issued by ECP while PECs, DROs and ROs are delegated the authority to issue the accreditation card for domestic/local observers. Election Observers/Media Ty é=8=—sti‘(a” dC Issues accreditation cards to domestic observers and media Ensure that the applicant has provided requisite documents Provides information on election process and its arrangementsAccreditation Card for Election Observers/Media Any domestic observation organization/media may apply for accreditation cards to observe the election process. The application to get the accreditation card shall be submitted to ECP/DRO/RO. The requisite documents for applying the accreditation cards are: i. written application on letter head of organization along with the details mentioning of name, contact number and address of the observer. ii. Letter from media house, in case the applicant is print or electronic media ili, Two recent colored photographs of the applicant iv, Photocopy of valid NIC of the applicant If request is approved, accreditation cards will be issued as per sample below. The card will have a recent photograph of the observer/media person as well as his/her NIC number. Prey ELECTION COMMISSION LECTION COMMISSION Peary OFPAKISTAN CN) Cor) : COUNT . a All the cards issued by the DRO must be recorded by him/her in a register. The second photograph of each individual to whom a card is issued should be kept in record pasted in the register along with other details. DRO will handover all the records regarding issuance of accreditation cards to the DEC concerned Note: DRO will not allow a person to observer the process of conduct of election, if the/she has been involved in activities prejudicial to the peace and tranquility of the people of aconstituencyInformation Flow and Reporting Channel for DRO and ROs The conduct of elections is an extremely sensitive and time bound exercise involving a number of electoral activities and stakeholders. In order to maintain an effective coordination for smooth execution of the activities, there should be a clear information flow and reporting channel for all the stakeholders including ECP, PEC, REC, DEC, DRO and RO. In this regard, the following information flow and reporting channel has been designed for DROs and ROs to coordinate all the activities. Flow of Information / Data +@- Flow of Directions / Instructions ©-©-© t Reporting Channel @-@-0-@-@ AT é@=8=— 82—3. Supervision During the election period the DRO is mandated to supervise the following: Cc Implementation of ECP/PEC Provision of logistics and Provision, distribution and directives/instructions facilities retrieval of election material Maintenance of law & order Ensuring that election laws and rules are followed by | Timely completion of all F a ‘4 all concerned election related activities G Implementation of Code of Conduct Implementation of Security/ contingency Plan for mitigation of electoral violenceA. Implementation of ECP/PEC Directives and Instruction Directives and instruction are issued from time to time by the ECP. The directions/instructions are sent to the DRO/RO by the ECP or through the 4 | PECif any directives are meant only for the RO, they will be sent to DRO with a request to forward the same to the ROs for implementation Use immediate possible mean channel to transfer instruction and directions to the ROs Ensure the receipt/acknowledgment of the same by RO The DRO must ensure that all directives/instructions are strictly 2. | followed by both him/herself as well as RO Take regular updates from the ROs on implementing of directives/ instructionsB. Provision of Logistics & Facilities The DRO must ensure that telephones, wifi, printers, fax, proper system and software are installed at his/her own 4 _ | office as well as each ROs office as soon as they are notified by the ECP. The telephones and wifi are critical to smooth communication. The DRO should inform PEC in case of any difficulty in obtaining these facilities The DRO must ensure that transport for him/herself as well as the ROs is available during the election. Vehicles are provided by district administration keeping in view ‘instructions issued by ECP. The DRO should inform PEC in case of any difficulty in obtaining transport facilitiesC. Provision and Distribution of Election Material Election material is sent to the DRO by the PEC through The DRO must coordinate with the REC and DEC in order to make sure that there are no 1 REC/DEC according to the : requirements of the unnecessary delays \\ district/ constituencies The DRO should make proper_| The DRO will coordinate with security arrangements for PEC/REC and DEC, Law 2 receiving of Ballot Papers enforcement agencies and ROs from Printing Press and its safe delivery to the ROs concerned for receiving of ballot papers The DRO will receive sealed boxes containing ballot paper according to the constituencies in his/her district. DRO will further deliver ballot paper to the ROs according to their respective constituencies The DRO should coordinate with ROs and ensure proper receiving and delivery of ballot papers to the ROs The material delivered should be checked by the DRO to In case of missing material for any constituency, the DRO 4 ensure that no constituency | must inform the PEC/REC/DEC has been left out and nothing | so that shortage can be met is missing or short Election material should then | The means for transportation be transferred to the ROs in _| of election material to each the fastest and most RO, should be pre-determined 5 convenient manner available | by the DRO, and communicated to concerned ROs The DRO should keep in touch] The RO will contact the DRO in with the RO and supervise the | case of shortage of material. In process of bulk breaking and | such a case the DRO must 6 dispatch of election materials _| immediately contact the PEC/ REC/DEC and make arrangements for providing material to the RO on an urgent basisD. Maintenance of Law and Order Ensure that adequate security is available for Pre, during and Post poll activities. Ensure that at the time of bulk- breaking and distribution of election material, adequate security is available. Furthermore extra security measures should also be taken for disturbance prone areas. Highly sensitive areas where disturbance may arise should be identified in advance and extra security measures must be planned and implemented in such areas through police/ law enforcement agencies In case of emergencies, DRO must be in direct contact with the District Administration and the law enforcement agencies and also inform them about any untoward situation immediately for taking corrective measures. The DRO must ensure that he has set clear channels of communication with relevant persons of both district administration and the law enforcement agencies who may be contacted in case of emergencies. On poll day the DRO should visit a number of polling stations in order to ensure that all proceedings are taking place smoothly and no problems have occurred. It is a good idea to plan surprise visits of polling stations randomly in different constituencies. The DRO should also ensure that CCTV cameras have been installed at highly sensitive polling stations declared by him/her under section 59 (12) of the Election Act, 2017 DRO will coordinate with district administration for installation of surveillance camerasE. Compliance with Laws & Rules The DRO should ensure that the ROs have copies of books/manuals containing all laws and instructions and directives pertaining to the elections. These books, instructions and directives may be obtained from ECP/PEC. The DRO may also request the DEC to provide copies of all relevant books/ manuals to the ROs. DRO should ensure through ROs, that political parties and candidates adhere to laws that regulate campaign expenditures Through ROs, he/she must ensure that polling staff and voters are following rules for casting & counting votes Ensure that only eligible observers are allowed to observe the election process Any misconduct in election process should be reported to the ECP/PEC/ REC/DEC immediately The DRO should seek guidance/ clarification from ECP /PEC/REC/DEC where required vis-a-vis election laws and rulesF. Timely Completion of Election Activities The DRO should ensure that each of the following activities are completed within the time frame specified by ECP. He/ she may hold frequent meetings/ get reports and information from the relevant authorities in order to update himself on timely execution and completion of all election activities. a ve Issuance of Public Filling of Scrutiny of Allotment of Finalize Notice Nornination Nomination Symbols to the List of Papers by Papers Contesting Contesting Candidates Candidates Candidates Deadline: Deadine: Deadline: Deadline: feet Llp wo” Preparation of Appointment of, Collection of Collection of | Dispatch of Polling list of Polling Polling staff and Electoral Roll Election Material | staff and Election Station their training and Ballot Papers Material Deadline: Deadline: Deadline: Deadline: Poll Day Activities and ‘counting of Votes; communication of results by ROs Consolidation of Results and dispatch to ECP Return of Election Expenses Deadline:G. Implementation of Code of Conduct The DRO should ensure that code of conduct for political parties and candidates has been explained to and being followed by the contesting candidates DMOs and MTs play vital role in monitoring and implementation of CoC. DRO will ensure that copies of said Code of Conduct has been handed over to contesting candidate by ROs DRO must coordinate with DMO and RO to ensure that Code of Conduct are being observed by media, polling personnel, security personnel and observers It is important that the DRO is well acquainted with the Code of Conduct DROs should collaborate with DM and ECP to ensure that any necessary legal actions are taken against Code of Conduct violations Keep close liaison with all relevant stakeholders for timely actionH. Implementation of Security/Contingency Plan for Mitigation of Electoral Violence 4 _ | DROwill ensure that security/contengency plan is implemented as per details provided in the final security/contengency plan In case the DRO finds out any violation during the electoral period, he/she shall 2 | immediately contact with all concerned to take appropriate steps as per law If the DRO finds any variation during the implementation of security/ contingency 3 _| plan (for instance, actual number of deployed staff are less than approved no of staff), he/ she shall contact the concerned department to resolve the issue.4. Approvals The following two components legally require the approval of DRO eae Pee ee (Section 53) Rule 48 SS (Section 59) Rule 50 ™ The RO shall, within specified time before the poll day, submit to the DRO for approval, through EMS, and hard copy of a list of polling staff of his/her constituency. The DRO shall approve the list of polling staff and ensure that all staff has been trained before the poll day and no change shall be made thereafter except with the approval of the Election Commission ROs in the district, submit to the DRO for approval, list of polling stations for their assigned constituencies. A candidate or voter may file an objection or a suggestion with DRO within specified time after publication of preliminary list of polling stations. The DRO may, after hearing the objection or considering the suggestion, make such alteration in the draft list of constituencies. The DRO shall within specified time before the poll day, publish in official gazette and on the website of the Commission, the final list of polling stations of each constituency in the district. The DRO shall not make any change in the final list of polling stations published in the official Gazette, save in very exceptional circumstances, for reasons to be recorded, with prior approval of the Commission not later than five days before polling day and a copy or such change shall be transmitted to the candidates immediately and after notice to the candidate.5. Financial Management The DRO will receive allocation of funds in the following head of accounts from PEC for further disbursement 1 &B For polling staff RO Election Allowance 2 For polling staff RO Diet Charges 3 ab For duty at polling stations RO with Presiding Officer Payment to Nab Quasid For use at the office of 4 Bea BROVRO DRO/RO POL charges 5 i For correspondence DRO/RO Postage Stamps 4 6 = Le From DRO > RO > polling DRO/RO Transportation of station and back Election Material 7 these. For use at the office of DRO/RO fic Stationery 8 b For use at the office of DRO/RO. Pa DRO/RO Contingent Expenditure / os For use in case of non- 9 |x 2 availability of RO Improvisation of Polling furniture/building Stations (on need basis)Do's and Don'ts of Financial Management ‘Make sure you keep all receipts and memos for audit purpose Do not spend any government money without obtaining a proper receipt Ensure that you spend only as much as is needed. Spend the budget after fulfillment of codal formalities Do not spend beyond the allocated amount under any head of account. Make sure refund of all surplus funds to PEC/ECP Do not re-appropriate any election funds without express and provide approval from the Election Commission If you are elevated/transferred from one district to another, make sure to handover financial records to your successor. A copy of the same should be sent to the PEC Do not make any financial commitments with any agency/ individual on behalf of the ECP without express permission from ECP/PEC Note: The DRO shall handover all the record pertaining to Election to his successor under intimation of PEC/RC/DEC.6. Problem Solving wacat Parties 0 Challenges may originate from anywhere, that requires DRO to be vigilant and proactive /’ to mitigate issues 4 contesting Candig, Qe, 25Problem Solving and Complaint Handling Process Uf, Receiving complaints Receive written complaints and maintain proper record thereof aS} Inquiring complaints Find out details of the situation/complaints of violation, verify the provided evidence, facts and findings 3 Resolving complaints Conclude in light of the findings through summary inquiry. Pass appropriate orders/actions taken in accordance with law Following-Up complaints Ensure that the complaint has been redressed and order passed has been implemented DRO will take steps as per law, rules and standing instructions of the ECP to resolve the complaint4) GARAGE IEEAdministrative Control of the ECP over Election Officials (Sections 55 and 172 of the Elections Act - 2017) 55. Disciplinary proceedings.—(1) An election official appointed or deputed to perform duties in connection with an election shall be deemed to be under the control, superintendence and discipline of the Commission for the period commencing on and from the date of appointment or deputation till publication of the name of the returned candidate in the official Gazette. (2) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in any other law, the Commission may initiate and finalize disciplinary action and impose any penalty against any election official for any act of misconduct provided in the Efficiency and Discipline Rules as applicable to such election official or under any provision of misconduct under this Act, and for this purpose, the Commission shall be deemed to be the Competent Authority under the said Efficiency and Discipline Rules or this Act. (3) The Commission may, at any time, for reasons to be recorded in writing, suspend or withdraw any election official, a public servant or any other person in the service of Pakistan who— (a) obstructs, or prevents, or attempts to obstruct or prevent, the conduct of a fair and impartial poll; or (b) interferes or attempts to interfere with a voter when he casts his vote; or (c) influences or attempts to influence in any manner the polling staff or a voter; or (d) does any other act calculated to influence the result of the election; or {(e) disobeys any order, or avoids to carry out any instruction issued by the Commission or any officer authorized to issue any order or instruction or violates any provision of this. Act. (4) The Commission may appoint enquiry officers or enquiry committee to initiate and finalize proceedings under the efficiency and disciplinary rules applicable to the election officials, concerned against whom action has been taken by the Commission under sub section (3) or other provisions of this Act or by the Returning Officer under sub section (6) of section 54. (5) The Enquiry Officer or Authorized Officer shall complete enquiry proceedings under the Efficiency and Discipline Rules as applicable to the election official concerned or under this Act within thirty days of the reference to him and shall submit the enquiry report to the Commission within seven days of the completion of the enquiry. (6) The Commission may impose any penalty provided in the Efficiency and Discipline Rules as applicable to the election official concerned or any penalty provided under this Act. (7) An election official aggrieved by a final order passed by the Commission may, within thirty days of receipt of the final order, file an appeal in the relevant Service Tribunal or other judicial forum. (8) Where the Commission suspends or withdraws any election official, it may appoint any other election official to perform the duty of the election official suspended or withdrawn. (9) Apart from disciplinary proceedings, the Commission may also initiate criminal proceedings under section 188 read with section 184 against the concerned election officials, public servants or other persons in service of Pakistan mentioned in sub section (3). 172, (2) Tampering with papers - An election official on duty in connection with the election who is guilty of the offence under sub section 1 of section 172 of the Elections Act, 2017, shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to six months or with fine which may extend to one hundred thousand rupees or with both in addition to such penalty as may be imposed asa result of disciplinary action initiated by the Commission under section 55.Chapter XII of the Elections Act 2017 Allocation of Symbols 214, List of election symbols.—The Commission shall prescribe a list of election symbols for allocation to political parties and candidates and the symbols in the list shall be visibly and perceptually different from each other. 215. Eligibility of party to obtain election symbol.—(1) Notwithstanding anything contained in any other law, a political party enlisted under this Act shall be eligible to obtain an election symbol for contesting elections for Majlis-e-Shoora (Parliament), Provincial Assemblies or local government on submission of certificates and statements referred to in sections 202, 206, 209 and 210. (2) Acombination of enlisted political parties shall be entitled to obtain one election symbol for an election only if each party constituting such combination submits the certificates and statements referred to in sections 202, 206, 209 and 210. (3) An election symbol already allocated to a political party shall not be allocated to any other political party or combination of political parties. (4) Where a political party or combination of political parties, severally or collectively, fails to comply with the provision of section 209 or section 210, the Commission shall issue to such political party or parties a notice to show cause as to why it or they may not be declared ineligible to obtain an election symbol. (5) Ifa political party or parties to whom show cause notice has been issued under sub-section (4) fails to comply with the provision of section 209 or section 210, the Commission may after affording it or them an opportunity of being heard, declare it or them ineligible to obtain an election symbol for election to Majlis-e-Shoora (Parliament), Provincial Assembly or a local government, and the Commission shall not allocate an election symbol to such political party or combination of political parties in subsequent elections. 216. Application for allocation of symbol.—Subject to fulfillment of the provisions of this Chapter and the Rules, a political party shall make an application to the Commission for allocation of a symbol of its choice for each general election within the period specified by the Commission in its press release, and the application shall contain— (a) the list of symbols applied for in order of preference; (b) symbol or symbols if any allocated to the political party during the previous general elections; (c) every such application shall be signed by the Party Head, by whatever name designated; (d) address of the head office of the political party; and (e) such other particulars or information from the political party as may be prescribed. 217. Allocation of symbols.—(1) The Commission shall allocate a symbol to a political party if the political party complies with the provisions of this Act. (2) Acandidate nominated by a political party for an election in any constituency shall be allotted the symbol allocated to that political party by the Returning Officer.(3) A symbol allocated to a political party by the Commission shall not be allotted to any candidate in a constituency other than the candidate nominated by that political party. (4) Subject to the direction of the Commission, in a bye-election, the Returning Officer shall allot to a candidate nominated by a political party the symbol allocated to that political party in the previous general election. (5) In every constituency where an election is contested, the Returning Officer shall allot visibly different and distinct symbols to each contesting candidate. Explanation.—n this section, the expression political party’ includes a combination of political parties who have agreed to put up joint candidates. 218. Symbol disputed by a political party.—(1) If a political party fulfils the requirement of sections 208, 209 and 210 and a symbol is allocated to it by the Commission, the Returning Officer shall allocate such symbol to the candidate nominated by that political party. (2) A political party shall have the right to claim the allocation of the same symbol as allocated to it in any previous election. (3) Apolitical party shall also be given preference for allocation of a particular symbol if such symbol was allocated to it in a previous election before entering into an alliance with other political parties. (4) In case the same symbol was allocated to a combination of political parties at the last election and two or more component political parties apply for the same symbol for the next election, the allocation of that symbol to any one political party shall be decided by drawing of lots.