K-P set for local govt by-election

PESHAWAR:

The stage is set for local government by-elections in seven districts of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa on October 19, where 80,359 registered voters will cast their ballots to elect representatives on 21 vacant seats.

According to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), 46 polling stations have been established across the districts, comprising 201 polling booths. Of these, 23 polling stations have been declared sensitive, while five are categorized as highly sensitive in view of security concerns.

The by-elections will be held in Dera Ismail Khan, Abbottabad, Mansehra, Shangla, Upper Dir, and other districts. The ECP has finalized all necessary arrangements and has informed the respective district administrations to ensure smooth and peaceful polling.

Results of the by-elections are scheduled to be announced on October 22.

Out of more than 900 vacant local government seats across the province, polling is being conducted for only a few, highlighting a decline in public interest in the local government system.

Officials said security measures have been tightened and polling staff trained to ensure transparency and the peaceful conduct of the electoral process.