The Election Commission (EC) plans to install two secret voting booths in each polling room as it prepares to conduct the 13th National Election and a simultaneous referendum, EC Secretary Akhtar Ahmed said on Sunday.

Speaking to reporters after a coordination meeting with secretaries of 34 ministries and department heads, Akhtar Ahmed described the exercise as the largest electoral event in the country next year.

The EC is working closely with field administration and law enforcement agencies to ensure the polls are conducted smoothly.

To prevent undue influence, allowances for election personnel have been increased, reducing the risk of being swayed by hospitality from local political actors.

The EC secretary also noted that approximately 100,000 expatriate voters have registered for the upcoming election.

Based on mock voting results, the commission has decided that while there is no need to add more polling centres or rooms, the number of secret booths will be expanded to accommodate the dual voting process.

Akhtar Ahmed confirmed that the overall law-and-order situation remains satisfactory, though he cautioned that isolated incidents may still occur.