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Pak missions in UAE gear up for elections
Pakistani expatriates in the UAE and around the world will, most probably, be able to use their right to franchise for the first time in the May 11 general elections in their country.
The Embassy of Pakistan on Wednesday called for a special meeting of the staff and community members to discuss the arrangements to allow community members to cast their votes.
Recently, the Supreme Court of Pakistan in a decision asked the Federal Government and Election Commission to ensure that all eligible overseas Pakistanis have the right to vote and take part in the formation of new democratic federal and provincial governments. The final announcement is yet to be made, though the authorities concerned in Pakistan are making arrangements expecting it soon.
Addressing the meeting, Ambassador Jamil Ahmed Khan said nine polling stations will be set up across the emirates to enable the 1.2 million Pakistanis residing in the UAE to cast their votes in the upcoming general elections. The delegation that met the ambassador to discuss the arrangements was headed by Mian Munir, member of the board of governors of Overseas Pakistanis Foundation.
“The embassy is contemplating setting up nine polling stations across the emirates, with separate facilities for women voters. Besides the Pakistan’s mission in Abu Dhabi and Consulate in Dubai, polling stations would also be set up at Pakistani schools in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Al Ain, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah and Sharjah,” Lhan said.
“We have already evolved a strategy paper to enable Pakistani expats to cast ballots without any hassle. And this strategy paper that dilates upon the modalities of holding balloting in (a) foreign land is now being shared with the Consulate in Dubai and authorities back home for their feedback and possibly as a roadmap for other missions abroad.” He also said Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has already directed its missions and consulates worldwide to make necessary arrangements in anticipation of the elections.
“That is why we have already approached the UAE Foreign ministry to obtain necessary approvals and facilitation from the host government in carrying out election-related tasks in a timely fashion,” the ambassador said.
However, he mentioned that the drawn-up plan would only be put in place after receiving final go-ahead from the Election Commission.
“And let me also remind Pakistani community that only those persons whose names are included in the final voters list of the respective areas issued by the Election Commission of Pakistan will be able to vote.” Khan added that the instructions on how to vote would be passed on to Pakistanis in the UAE within a week or so.
“In any case, we are ready to assist with the Election Commission’s decision about voting exercise either through (an) e-voting system or manual balloting,” the envoy added. Khan also asked the embassy staff to gear up for undertaking this massive exercise.
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