ECP to wrap up delivery of 260m ballot papers in 859 constituencies by Monday

ISLAMABAD (APP): The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) is all set to wrap up the ongoing distribution of 260 million ballot papers to the returning officers (ROs) of 859 constituencies across the country by Monday.

According to an ECP spokesperson, the commission has completed the printing of ballot papers in three government printing presses for the upcoming February 8 elections.

Reprinting of ballot papers in particular controversial constituencies has been finalized, as per the directives of the superior judiciary in specific court cases, the spokesperson said.

The spokesperson highlighted that 220 million ballot papers were printed for the 2018 general elections, using 800 tons of special security paper in the process.

For the upcoming 2024 general election, the ECP has printed 260 million ballot papers, utilizing 2,170 tons of paper—an increase significantly driven by the surge in the number of candidates, which is 150 times more than the 2018 elections.

The spokesperson acknowledged that various challenges, such as court cases and a high number of candidates, arose during the ballot paper printing process.

However, despite these obstacles and within a limited time, the commission fulfilled its responsibility to print the papers, ensuring that voters can exercise their right to vote in the February 8 elections.