QUETTA BUREAU REPORT
Preparations for local government elections in the provincial capital, Quetta, are in full swing as polling is scheduled to be held on December 28, according to the Provincial Election Commission.
An Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) spokesperson said that local government elections will be conducted in 172 union councils and 641 wards across Quetta. Out of a total of 2,870 nomination papers submitted for the elections, all were found to be valid.
The spokesperson added that 329 candidates have withdrawn their nomination papers, leaving a total of 2,541 candidates in the race. In 108 out of the 641 wards, only one candidate has filed nomination papers, while no nomination papers were submitted in 18 wards.
Providing further details, the ECP said that local government elections will be held in Zarghoon with 46 union councils and 161 wards, in Lyari (Litan) with 46 union councils and 173 wards, in Sariab with 38 union councils and 145 wards, and in Takatu with 42 union councils and 142 wards.
The Election Commission stated that all necessary arrangements are being finalized to ensure the smooth and transparent conduct of the local government elections.