Islamabad: Security measures surrounding Pakistan's ballot paper supply chain are bolstered by statutory law, with the Elections Act mandating strict controls over printing processes and materials. The act confines printing to government-operated facilities and prescribes the use of watermarked paper stock, aiming to curtail election disinformation related to ballot paper forgery.
According to Free and Fair Election Network, the Elections Act 2017 delineates a security framework making it challenging to substantiate claims of forged or duplicated ballot papers. Under Section 71(2) of the act, the printing of ballot papers is restricted to the Printing Corporation of Pakistan or other government-owned facilities, as authorized by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP). This section explicitly excludes private printing presses. Furthermore, the act mandates the ECP to implement sufficient security measures during the printing process and ensures the safe custody of printed papers until they are transferred to Returning Officers, as detailed in Section 71(3). Section 71(4) adds another layer of security by requiring the use of watermarked paper, a feature difficult to replicate without access to government-supplied stock.
The multi-layered security approach, comprising restricted printing venues, secure custody arrangements, and watermarked paper, forms a documented chain of custody, ensuring that any ballot paper at a polling station can be traced back to a government press. This traceability is crucial when allegations of ballot paper forgery emerge, leading to inquiries about the origin of the printed papers, the status of the watermarked stock, and the details in the Ballot Paper Account. These mechanisms either uphold or disprove allegations, depending on the availability of evidence, thus reinforcing accountability within the electoral process.