The first meeting of the Election Supervisory Committee (ESC) was held on November 2, 2023, at 7:30 PM in Bahria Enclave. The meeting started with the name of Almighty the most merciful. Following attended:

• Mr. Mirza Nasir Baig (Chairman)
• Mr. Chaudhry Saleem Murtaza (Member)
• Mr. Dr. Muhammad Yousaf Khushk (Member)
• Mr. Asif Mehmood (APPELLATE AUTHORITY)

Mr. Ghulam Abbas (the Coordination Secretary, SOBER) assisted the committee.

• The chair invited the participants to inform the committee regarding previous elections and procedures adopted thereof. It transpired that there was no balloting held neither any oath taking was undertaken. The number of candidates was not enough to affect a competition therefore an executive committee was formed comprising nominations received. It was therefore agreed that proper election procedure needs to be adopted ab-initio to ensure fair and transparent elections.

• Article no. 11 of the constitution regarding elections was then examined to clarify the role of ESC for conducting the elections. With no Terms of Reference and clear procedure for elections it was decided to devise the same for way forward for ESC.

1. Decisions:
   • Following TORs for the forthcoming elections were deliberated and agreed unanimously:
   • Develop and approve a comprehensive election procedure including ballot/ nomination papers and other related documents for record keeping and attendance of voters at the time of polling.
   • Prepare and approve election schedule and implement the procedure.
   • Scrutinize nomination forms and manage appeals.Supervise polling and announce successful candidates.
   • Ensure maximization of competing candidates.

• Subsequent to due deliberations, it was decided that enhancement of voter participation is not within the purview of ESC rather it is for the candidates to stir up voter turnout.
• Voting shall be carried out through physical presence on the day of polling announced as per approved schedule of by ESC.

V. Election Schedule:

1. Polling day shall be on December 16, 2023, from 10 am to 5 pm
2. SOBER membership deadline date is Nov’ 20, 2023
3. The final voter list will be officially announced on November 22, 2023. Members registered after the said date shall not be eligible to vote.Deadline for submitting nomination papers shall be December 3, 2023
4. Accepted nominees to be announced subsequently and appeals by disqualified candidates if any may be submitted by December 6, 2023.

VI. Election Expenses/ Arrangements

SOBER shall ensure that adequate budget is provided for hassle free polling including but not limited to stamps, pads, ballot boxes, stationary, and register books and arrangements of premises with seating arrangements, poling booths separately for ladies and gents.

SOBER shall ensure proper security measures on polling day.

The ESC may call the relevant office bearer of SOBER to share the details of resources available with SOBER in its next meeting.

VII. Voter and Candidate Eligibility

• Candidates registered by the above deadline may participate in an election for any post.
• Following are essential requirement to be submitted along with nomination papers.
  1. ID card (Photocopy)
  2. Photo
  3. Allotment letter (Photocopy).

Further details shall be deliberated in the next meeting of ESC. The meeting ended with a vote of thanks to and by the Chair.