KARACHI: Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has announced dates for second phase of Sindh Local Government (LG) polls and by-elections in National Assembly (NA) constituencies. Election Commission announced to organise LG polls in all districts of Karachi on October 23, whereas, by-elections in eight NA constituencies will be held on October 16.

Decision was taken in a high-level session chaired by Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikandar Sultan Raja. Commission sought a report from concerned authorities regarding Hyderabad districts, said spokesperson, adding that LG poll date for Hyderabad will also be unveiled soon. Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah has met CEC Sikandar Sultan Raja at ECP headquarters to discuss matters related to by-elections in 12 constituencies of national and provincial assemblies.

Sanaullah was accompanied by secretary interior during his visit to ECP HQs. Rana Sanaullah and CEC Sikandar Sultan Raja held discussions regarding by-elections in NA and PA constituencies, security arrangements and flood situation. Earlier on September 8, Commission postponed scheduled by-elections in 13 constituencies. Decision was taken by CEC. It was decided that by-polls scheduled for September 11, September 25 and October 2 will be postponed and new dates will be announced soon.

EC said that by-poll was deferred due to devastating rains and floods. Decision was however opposed by parties across political divide, blaming each other for running away from contest.

Published in The Daily National Courier, September, 15 2022

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