Islamabad: Access to polling stations in Pakistan is strictly regulated under the Elections Act 2017, which specifies a closed list of individuals allowed entry during elections. This list does not include Members of Parliament, local councillors, journalists, or family members of voters, unless they meet specific criteria for entry.
According to Free and Fair Election Network, Section 82 of the Elections Act 2017 mandates that the Presiding Officer is responsible for managing voter admission and ensuring that only authorized individuals are present. Permitted persons include those on duty related to the election, contesting candidates along with their election and polling agents, and individuals granted special permission by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) or an empowered authority.
The law aims to maintain the integrity of the electoral process by preventing overcrowding and potential voter intimidation. It ensures that only individuals with legitimate roles or permissions are inside polling stations, thus safeguarding the secrecy and orderly conduct of the vote. Any unauthorized presence can be addressed by the Presiding Officer, who is empowered to remove individuals acting without legal basis or those failing to comply with lawful orders under Section 83 of the Act.