By-election campaigns wrap up ahead of voting day

ISLAMABAD: The campaigning period for the upcoming by-elections across 21 national and provincial assembly constituencies in Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), and Balochistan concluded on Friday night.

Voters will now head to the polling stations on Sunday to vote for their preferred candidates. In accordance with electoral regulations, all campaign activities were ceases precisely at midnight.

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The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) warned that any candidate found engaging in political activities beyond the stipulated deadline will face legal actions.

The candidates were reminded of section 182 of the Election Act 2017 that expressly prohibits the organisation or participation in public gatherings or processions within the constituency’s vicinity for 48 hours following the closure of polls, extending until midnight.

The ECP stated that anyone found in violation of the regulations would face penalty, including imprisonment for up to two years, a fine of up to Rs100,000, or both.

Read more: Preparations completed for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa by-elections

The ECP also called upon the media and the public to cooperate. This way, the ECP argued, an election process characterised by “freedom, fairness, and transparency” can be achieved.

Candidates are getting ready to begin house-to-house outreach, actively seek votes, and coordinate logistical arrangements for election day, all with the goal of persuading voters to support their candidacy.