Voting process remained smooth in Islamabad

Islamabad:In an impressive display of civic engagement, women voters across Islamabad surged to the polls in large numbers during the 2024 general election to exercise their right to vote.

From urban areas to rural side, women started arriving early, eager to exercise their right to vote and have their voices heard. Long queues formed outside polling stations well before dawn, with women of all ages and backgrounds patiently awaiting their turn to cast their ballots.

Speaking to several women voters, a common sentiment emerged – a desire for change and a commitment to shaping the future of their nation. "This election is crucial for our country's progress, and as women, we must play our part in shaping its direction," said Fatima, a first-time voter from F-10.

With a few complaints of change of polling stations, the voting process remained smooth in major parts of the city. “The process was slow at polling stations but overall, voting was smooth,” said Saira Bibi, a voter in F-6/1. Women voters also appreciated the cooperation and professionalism of polling staff.

Fauzia Hameed in another polling station in G-6, had totally different story to tell. “They are sending me from one polling station to another since morning. I casted my vote in this polling last year and Election Commission’s helpline number also gave me the same address but my name is not in the list," she said.

The polling staff agreed that they had to return a few voters because of this reason. “They were assigned the same polling stations through the helpline but their names were not in the list,” said one of the Polling Officer in Islamabad Model School, F-6/1. “But there were very few such cases and we have no choice but to go by the book,” she added.

The polling that started slow in the morning picked pace near afternoon. Much to everyone’s surprise, enthusiastic youngsters started arriving early in the morning and polled votes. They were slightly irritated of the fact that members of one family had votes in different polling stations or even the city. They believed that the issues could have been easily sorted out.

“I am voting for the first time. My sisters vote in in another polling station and votes of my mother and father are in Hari Pur. They are waiting for me in the car outside and we will go to Hari Pur straight from here,” said Aleena Aleena Asad.

Most women voters expressed their annoyance because of the difficulties they faced due to phone network and internet closure. “We have no connection with our families. Those who planned to use transport applications to reach their polling stations are now stranded at home waiting for a family member to take them to polling stations. We are really disappointed,” said Farida Durrani, at while standing in a line to cast her vote.

Shahida Perveen, a cancer patient, said that there were many issues that depressed her before elections but she came to vote as she wanted to be part of the process no matter what. “I take it as my responsibility and duty towards my country,” she shared. Interestingly, a big number shared with ‘The News’ that different members of their family are voting for different party. “Majority of young boys and girls in our family are voting according to their observations. My vote is purely my decision,” said Sehar Amjad, a school teacher.

About expectations with the new government, Sehar said that doesn’t expect much from the new government. “They charged us for even using the facility of 8300. Frankly speaking, I expect more taxes and more inflation. But all I can do is to vote against those who have not been able to perform in the next elections,” she said.

The polling staff identified major issues of voter’s education among women belonging to rural areas of Islamabad. “It becomes very difficult for staff to keep guiding in addition to keep the line of voters moving smoothly. Women from rural areas are not guided on how to vote by their families or their political workers which consumes a lot of our time,” said one Presiding Officer at a polling station in Bari Imam.

Access to of disabled and elderly women to polling area and availability of facilities for voters with special needs was another issue identified by some women voters. For security reasons, cars and other vehicles were stopped much away from the gates which created problem for elderly and disabled.

Despite small issues, overall the process remained smooth and the turn out and participation of women voters proved that women are determined to play their role in the political change expected to result from Election 2024