Syed Ali Shah, Manan Mandokhail, Aziz Marri, Sardar Khondai :
Local bodies elections began in 32 districts of Balochistan amid tight security. Long queues were witnessed outside polling stations in various districts and tehsils of the province. Supporters of all political parties have been making tooth and nail efforts to ensure the victory of their candidates.
“I am going to cast my vote to exercise my democratic right”, Nazeer Ahmed, a voter in Chaman told Quetta Voice. Mr. Ahmed was waiting in a long queue in Chaman city and waiting for his turn to cast vote. The Chaman administration had adopted strict security measures to maintain the law and order situation in the bordering city.
Over 2,000 polling stations declared sensitive
Balochistan government has declared over 2,000 polling stations sensitive throughout the province. Besides police and levies, personnel of the frontier corps has also been deployed outside all extremely sensitive and sensitive polling stations to avert any untoward incident.
“Provincial government has determined to protect the right of every voter”, Chief Minister Balochistan, Mir Quddus Bizenjo said while addressing a high-level meeting. Home Minister Balochistan, Mir Ziaullah Langove, Chief Secretary Abdul Aziz Uqaili, Additional Chief Secretary (Home), Muhammad Hashim Ghilzai, Balochistan Police Chief, Mohsin Hassan Butt, and other high ups attended the meeting.
“This administration overtly supports the king’s party”, Mr. Umrani claimed
In district Naseerabad, the central leader of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Mir Sadiq Umrani accused the administration of depriving the opposition voters of the right to vote. “This administration overtly supports the king’s party”, Mr. Umrani claimed. He demanded the election commission of Pakistan take notice of what he called the partial behavior of the administration.
“I am going to vote for the Balochistan National Party (BNP)”, Khuda Bakhsh, an aged voter in the Darengarh area of Mastung district said. Besides men, women were also casting their votes in various polling stations set up in the district.
“My vote is for Jamiat ul Ulema e Islam”, Subhan Ali, a grey-bearded man in Pishin Bazar said. He said the religious group would sweep the elections.
Over 17,700 candidates contesting LBs elections
Over 17,700 candidates are contesting the local bodies elections in Balochistan. 132 women are also contesting on general seats of councilors in Balochistan.
“Pashtoonkhwa Milli Awami Party will win these elections and my vote is for the party”, Baseer Khan, a young voter in Killi Batezai Pishin said.
Except for Quetta and Lasbella districts, elections are being held in 32 districts of Balochistan. However, flaws in delimitations and the formation of wards marred the credibility of the elections.
More to follow
