Transgender observers barred from entering polling booths in Pakistan: report

A group of transgender observers was not allowed by the police to enter polling stations across Peshawar today despite being authorised by the Election Commission of Pakistan, a media report said.

The 25 transgender observers complained to the election body about their ordeal but no action was taken, The Express Tribune reported.

In Lahore, there were reports they some transgender voters were barred from exercising their franchise.

The observes alleged that their group, named as Transgender Election Day Observer (EDO), was stopped by security forces at Afghan Colony despite having accreditation cards issued by the election authorities.

They said that they were denied entry at polling stations across Peshawar.

Pakistanis voted today in a tense election to choose a new government as at least 35 people were killed in an ISIS suicide attack and poll-related violence, amidst charges of manipulation by the powerful Army and concerns over the participation of Islamic hardliners.

Nearly 10.6 crore people are registered to vote for members of the lower house of Parliament and four provincial assemblies. The election marks the second democratic transition of power in the nation's 70-year history.