18 candidates in fray for Dec 31 by-poll contest

ECP writes letter to chief secretary for safe transfer of polling material

QUETTA: Balochistan Election Commissioner Ghulam Israr Khan has said as many as 18 candidates will be contesting by-election in PB-26 Quetta III to be held on December 31.

Addressing a press conference on Friday, the commissioner said the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has set up 49 polling stations — 28 for men, 19 for women, and two hosting both genders. He added the number of registered voters in the constituency is 57,675.

Khan also said around 393 polling staff — including 49 presiding officers, 172 assistant presiding officers, and 172 polling officer would be deployed.



Strict security measures will be in place during the by-poll, he said, adding that security personnel will be deployed inside and outside polling stations.

The ECP has written a letter to the chief secretary for safe transfer of the polling material, he added.

“I hope political parties have given tickets to the right candidates,” said Khan.

He assured that the problems pertaining to Form 45 will not be faced this time. “People should go and cast their votes on December 31,” he urged.

On November 15, the election commission ordered re-polling in PB-26 constituency after declaring the victory of Hazara Democratic Party (HDP) candidate Ahmed Ali Kohzad null and void. Kohzad was disqualified after he was found to be an Afghan national.



Moreover, the Senate election for the seat fell vacant after the death of Senator and Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP) leader Babar Musakhel will be held on January 14, said Khan.

According to the ECP, the intending candidates can file nomination papers till December 27 from 9 am till 4 pm with the returning officer.

The scrutiny of the nomination papers will be completed on December 31, and the last date for filing appeals against acceptance or rejection of nomination papers is January 2, 2019.

Further, the tribunal will dispose of appeals against nominations till January 4. The last date for withdrawal of candidature is January 6. The ECP has appointed Balochistan election commissioner as the returning officer.