Young people urged to register as voters

MANSEHRA: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has urged young people and women to exercise the right to vote and candidacy to significantly change their lives, particularly in the formerly tribal district of Torghar.

“You and local woman voters can transform the social fabric by exercising your right to vote and candidacy,” Fareedullah Khan Khattak, the district election commissioner, told an awareness session held in the Hassanzai area of Torghar on Sunday.

Young people from different parts of the district attended the session and inquired about the process for registration of their and their families’ votes.

Khattak said that the ECP has launched an awareness campaign in the district to educate voters.

“We aim to increase the participation of women and young voters in the electoral process, and this could only be possible if you turn out at polling stations,” he said.

The official said that Torghar was among the districts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with a low female voter’s turnout.

“Women make up half of the population and can bring about significant change in the district through the power of their vote,” Khattak emphasized.

He added that young people were being encouraged to mobilise voters in their respective village councils and communities.

“Democracy can only be strengthened through a regular electoral process,” he said.

The official urged young individuals recently turned 18 to visit his office for the vote registration.

He mentioned that awareness sessions were being conducted across the district to educate people during the ongoing drive.

“Young people should also ensure that every eligible family member is registered with the ECP,” Khattak added.