Election Commission of Pakistan general election forms

In the electoral process of Pakistan, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) uses a series of forms to accurately record the outcomes of elections within constituencies. Each form serves a distinct function, contributing to the overall integrity and transparency of the electoral system. The functions and stipulations involving these forms are covered in Election Act, 2017.

Types of forms

Form 45

Form 45, often referred to as the Result of the Count, is crucial for giving detailed information at the polling station level. It includes data such as the polling station's identification, the name of the constituency, the total number of registered voters, the total votes cast, and a detailed breakdown of the votes received by each candidate. It bears the signature and thumbprint of the presiding officer of a polling station and his senior-most assistant, as well as the signatures of observing polling agents of each candidate. An original copy of Form 45 is given to each polling agent present, as well as any independent election observers viewing the counting process. The form is then transmitted to the concerned returning officer (RO) for consolidation with other such forms for an electoral district, as well as being prominently displayed at the relevant polling station.

Form 46

Form 46, also referred to as Ballot Paper Account, is to track the logistics of ballot papers at a polling station. It records the number of ballot papers that were received at the polling station, the number that were issued, and accounts for any ballots that were challenged, spoiled, or voided. The form also highlights any irregularities that may have occurred during the voting process. Like Form 45, it is issued by the presiding officer of a polling station at the end of a vote count. The form is similarly signed, thumbprinted, and then shared with the polling agents and election observers before finally being transmitted to the RO.

After both Form 45 and 46 are issued, the presiding officer seals all polling material, including used and unused ballots, counterfoils, marked voter lists, and challenged ballots, in specially designated envelopes in the presence of all observers. These materials are then kept at the polling station pending any further statutory use, like in a vote recount.

Form 47

Form 47, also known as Consolidated Statement of Results of the Count is issued by returning officer (RO) for their respective electoral constituency after they have received Form 45 and 46 from all relevant polling stations. This form used by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to give an early glimpse into the election results by detailing the number of votes that were rejected and provides a preliminary count of the votes each candidate received, based on the unofficial results from the constituency. By law, the consolidation of the count happens in front of the candidates or their nominated representatives, as well as any independent observers present. Form 47 does not include postal ballots and is the first form that is directly transmitted to the ECP's central election management office upon completion.

Form 48

Form 48, also referred to as Final Consolidated Result, is used for compiling the election results for an electoral constituency within seven days of polling. It is issued after the relevant RO invites the candidates or their nominated representatives for a final tabulation. In this consolidation, postal ballots are also included, contested and rejected votes are rechecked, as well as the result of a vote recount is included, if conducted. According to the relevant law, a recount is conducted on written application of the runner-up candidate provided that the margin of victory is less than 5% of the votes polled or 8,000 votes, whichever is less, or the number of rejected votes exceed the margin of victory. Form 48 is also directly sent to ECP upon completion and any sealed polling material opened for the consolidation is resealed in temper-evident bags.

Form 49

Form 49, also known as the Gazetted Form, declares the official election results. The form lists the names of the candidates, their affiliated political parties, and the total votes each candidate received in the constituency. It is issued by the ECP and published in the The Gazette of Pakistan, within 14 days of the close of polling, after Form 48s are received for all electoral districts where the elections were held.