The polling continued from 0730 hours to 1730 hours uninterrupted as thousands of security personnel from police, Rangers and Pakistan Army were deployed to ensure smooth voting.
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HRCP-which observed the local bodies elections in selected districts in both provinces-said in a statement released to the media: HRCP welcomes the completion of local government elections in all provinces with polling in twelve districts of Punjab and Karachi on Saturday.
General public expressed satisfaction on the arrangements and security measures for the third and last phase of LG polls. “Only the voters in polling stations will allow to cast their vote”, ECP. The vigorous election campaigns and the enthusiasm shown by the people provide an explanation for some candidates as well as observers that the turnout of LG polls in Rawalpindi would be higher as compared to the previous elections. The paramilitary Rangers will have the authority to enter polling stations and take preventive action, including arrest and detention, whenever required.
He said on the directive of PML-N leadership only deserving candidates were given tickets for chairmen and vice chairmen in 46 union councils of the district. A sizeable number of independent candidates enjoying support of their respective communities as well as tacit approval of certain political parties also contested the elections. In addition, 171 companies of Pakistan Army and fifteen thousand personnel of Rangers also assisted deployed for security.
ISLAMABAD: According to unofficial and unconfirmed results of the 3rd phase of local government elections, Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N) and Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) are leading in Punjab and Karachi respectively.
About 18 candidates were elected unopposed in Karachi central followed by 13 in West, nine in South, six in Malir and two in East. Voters in urban areas of Karachi voted to elect a total of 1,210 members while those inhabiting its rural areas voted for 304 seats in 38 union councils.
“Difficulties and some hurdles in women casting their votes in some places in south Punjab came to light, although organised agreements among candidates and parties as had been reported in at least one earlier phase of the local government elections were not reported”.
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Talking to reporter during his visit of various polling stations in Rawalpindi, he said that Rs 3.8 billion have been incurred on the conduct of local government elections in the country.
