By-polls for 23 districts in K-P were initially scheduled for January 23. However, they have been postponed till the provincial government gives the election commission a “security clearance” following the attack on Bacha Khan University in Charsadda.
A statement by the provincial election commission on Friday said polls were suspended for an indefinite period. There are 828 contestants in the running for 139 village/neighbourhood councils, 443 general council, 200 women, 56 peasant, 47 youth and four minority seats.
Similarly, 35 candidates will contest elections for general seats in seven wards of the district council, while there are 43 candidates in the running for general seats in tehsil councils.
An official of the election commission said the authority was in communication with the K-P government. However, it was up to the provincial government to announce a suitable date. He added the security situation was a massive hurdle and there were concerns as the province had seen much violence recently. Therefore, a proper security strategy was necessary.
Published in The Express Tribune, January 23rd, 2016.
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