ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Tuesday termed the kidnapping of election staff from UC-28 of Kandhkot Municipal Committee lamentable and expressed grief over two deaths during polling for first phase of local government elections in Sindh.
“It is responsibility of the provincial government to provide security to the electoral staff,” ECP secretary informed a review session of the commission here on Tuesday.
The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) held the review session about the first phase of LG elections in Sindh. The Sindh Provincial election commissioner participated in the ECP meeting via video-link.
The secretary briefed the participants that on the polling day rioting and scuffles reported in 10 districts, while eight persons were injured during the violent incidents.
“Polling was suspended at 30 polling stations due to lawless incidents, while 13 elections of various categories were postponed owing to allotment of wrong electoral symbols,” the session was told. “Overall polling deferred at 74 polling stations.”
The ECP secretary informed that moreover, 25 FIRs were registered against responsible persons, adding that the election staff was kidnapped from UC-28 of Kandhkot Municipal Committee. “It is responsibility of the provincial government to provide security to the electoral staff,” ECP secretary said.
He recalled that the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) talked with the Sindh Chief Minister and also wrote a letter to him, while the matter was discussed with provincial chief secretary for foolproof security.” “The CEC also talked about deployment of military troops,” secretary said.
“Overall performance of the law enforcement agencies was satisfactory”. “Polling is required to be held at 74 polling stations owing to various incidents, efforts will be made to redress such incidents,” he said.
“In 2015 local government elections of Sindh, 15 persons were killed in violence and 24 persons were injured. In comparison this election was better than the previous one,” secretary said.
The CEC expressed sorrow over death of persons in the election. He also expressed resentment over violent incidents during the election.
