Staff Reporter :
The Election Commission (EC) has ordered all regional offices to conduct a full audit of ballot boxes by 25 August 2025, as part of a major drive to ensure readiness for the 13th National Parliament elections.
In a directive issued by EC Secretary Akhtar Ahmed, regional election officers were instructed to report the exact number of usable ballot boxes to the Election Management-1 Branch within the deadline. The move forms part of a broader effort to streamline election logistics and prevent delays on polling day.
The EC has also asked field offices to clear storage facilities of outdated or unused materials to make space for new election supplies. Offices are required to submit formal requests for logistical support to ensure the safe transport and storage of all election items.
Procurement for key materials – including ballot papers, indelible ink, voter slips, and polling kits – is already underway, with the commission aiming to complete acquisitions by September 2025.
In parallel, the EC has launched a civic awareness campaign targeting young voters. Regional offices have been asked to collect original content – such as stories, poems, essays, rhymes, plays, and dialogues – focusing on voter registration and National ID awareness.
Selected works may be forwarded to the National Identity Registration Division for possible inclusion in school textbooks, reflecting a long-term strategy to instil civic responsibility among students.
The dual initiative highlights the commission’s commitment to both operational readiness and public engagement. By combining meticulous logistical planning with efforts to educate and motivate young citizens, the EC aims to create a smooth, transparent, and credible electoral process.
Officials emphasise that these steps are critical not only to ensure sufficient and well-maintained election materials but also to increase voter participation, particularly among first-time and younger voters. The comprehensive approach is expected to bolster confidence in the integrity of the polls while encouraging broader civic involvement.
With just months to go before the elections, the commission’s actions signal a determined effort to leave no detail to chance, combining organisational efficiency with a campaign to foster informed and active voter participation.
