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In the [[elections in Pakistan|electoral process of Pakistan]], the [[Election Commission of Pakistan]] (ECP) uses a series of forms to accurately record the outcomes of elections within constituencies.<ref name="auto">{{Cite web|url=https://arynews.tv/elections-2024-what-are-form-45-46-47-48-49/|title=Elections 2024: Here's all you need to know about Form 45, 46, 47, 48 and Form 49|date=February 8, 2024|website=[[ARY News]]}}</ref><ref name="auto1">{{Cite web|url=https://www.samaa.tv/208739429-all-you-need-to-know-about-key-forms-in-election-process|title=Pakistan Elections 2024: What are Form 45, Form 46, Form 47, Form 48 and Form 49 in polls processs|website=[[Samaa TV]]}}</ref> Each form serves a distinct function, contributing to the overall integrity and transparency of the electoral system.<ref name="auto"/>
==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.<ref name="auto"/><ref name="auto1"/> It includes data such as the polling station's identification, the name of the [[constituency]], the total number of [[registered voter]]s, the total votes cast, and a detailed breakdown of the votes received by each candidate.<ref name="auto"/> 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 observer|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.<ref name="46&47">{{Cite book |url=https://pakistancode.gov.pk/pdffiles/administratorf21c97fb85cfdc593f840a4c008caa45.pdf |title=Election Act, 2017 |publisher=Ministry of Law, Pakistan |year=2017 |pages=54}}</ref>
===Form 46===
''Form 46'', also referred to as '''Ballot Paper Account''', is to track the [[logistics]] of [[ballot paper]]s at a polling station.<ref name="auto"/> 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.<ref name="auto"/><ref name="auto1"/> The form also highlights any irregularities that may have occurred during the voting process.<ref name="auto"/> 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.<ref name="46&47" />
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.<ref name="46&47" />
===Form 47===
''Form 47'', also known as '''Consolidated Statement of Results of the Count''' is issued by returning officer (RO) for their respective [[Electoral district|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 [[Absentee ballot|postal ballots]] and is the first form that is directly transmitted to the ECP's central election management office upon completion.<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://pakistancode.gov.pk/pdffiles/administratorf21c97fb85cfdc593f840a4c008caa45.pdf |title=Election Act, 2017 |publisher=Ministry of Law, Pakistan |year=2017 |pages=55}}</ref><ref name="auto"/>
===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 [[Election recount|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 [[Tamper-evident technology|temper-evident bags]].<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://pakistancode.gov.pk/pdffiles/administratorf21c97fb85cfdc593f840a4c008caa45.pdf |title=Election Act, 2017 |publisher=Ministry of Law, Pakistan |year=2017 |pages=56–57}}</ref><ref name="auto"/><ref name="auto1"/>
===Form 49===
''Form 49'', also known as the '''Gazetted Form''', declares the official election results.<ref name="auto"/><ref name="auto1"/> The form lists the names of the candidates, their affiliated political parties, and the total votes each candidate received in the constituency.<ref name="auto"/> 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.<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://pakistancode.gov.pk/pdffiles/administratorf21c97fb85cfdc593f840a4c008caa45.pdf |title=Election Act, 2017 |publisher=Ministry of Law, Pakistan |year=2017 |pages=58}}</ref>
==References==
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