All set for by-polls in Kech today

Police, Frontier Corps to provide security during polling

QUETTA: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has completed all preparations for holding by-election in PB-47 Kech III today (Thursday).

Speaking to newsmen on Wednesday, Returning Officer Waheed Baloch said “all arrangements have been made for by-election in PB-47, to be held on 60 polling stations across the district”.

The RO said that in order to ensure fairness in elections, the commission remained in contact with the candidates. The polling stations were finalised after soliciting their suggestions, he added.

On Tuesday, Baloch said polling material including ballot papers, boxes were dispatched to the electoral staff in Dasht and Mand areas of PB-47 to “hold smooth by-elections”.
He said “Frontier Corps (FC) and police will perform duties during the polls to control any untoward situation”.



According to Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), more than 56,472 registered voters including 31,417 male and 25,055 female would be exercising their right to vote in the constituency.

At least 12 candidates are contesting by-election in PB-47 Kech III.
It is assumed that Balochistan Awami Party (BAP) candidate Lala Rasheed, Balochistan National Party-Mengal (BNP-M)’s Major (retd) Jameel Dashti and National Party (NP)’s Fida Hussain Dashti are strong contestants for the seat.

Meanwhile, BNP-M President Sardar Akhtar Mengal, former chief minister and NP President Dr Malik Baloch and BAP leaders Zahoor Buledi and Federal Minister Zubeda Jalal remained busy running by-polls campaign in Turbat and Kech.

The restive Kech district remained a favourite ground for Baloch armed fighters as they attempted to disturb general elections.

The provincial assembly seat of PB-47 Kech was announced vacant after BAP candidate Abdul Rind was disqualified by the ECP for possessing dual nationality.