More than 33,000 staff will perform their duties at polling stations. PHOTO: BANARAS KHAN/EXPRESS
Amid looming security threats, Balochistan government is all set to hold Local Bodies’ (LG) elections on Saturday (today) in the volatile province.
The May 11 general elections were marred by attacks in Quetta and other parts of the province. Similarly the LG electoral process is threatened by a violent insurgent struggle, which might lead to a lower voter turnout.
Owing to threats, the provincial government has allocated Rs550 million for the daunting security arrangements during the LG elections, including the deployment of security forces across the province.
With 2,776 out of the 5,325 polling stations declared sensitive, security across the province was beefed up on Friday.
According to the provincial home department, as many as 19,322 policemen, 16,312 personnel of Frontier Corps (FC), 5,325 of Pakistan Army, 11,123 of Balochistan Levies and 2,000 of Balochistan Constabulary will be deployed to ensure a smooth polling exercise.
Commenting on the issue, Asad Gilani, the Secretary Home and Tribal Affairs Department in Balochistan, said an additional Rs200 million have been earmarked in case the government needs to hold re-elections in certain areas.
“Holding LG elections is difficult than general elections because in this election sub-tribes are completely engaged in campaigning,” he said speaking on condition of anonymity.
Foreseeing disruption, the official said, “We are hoping that the elections will take place in a peaceful environment but violence is expected in Khuzdar, Kech, Kalat, Awaran and Panjgur.”
Besides attacks by separatist groups, the province is also marred by decades of inter-tribal feuds, mainly between Baloch and Pashtun, which usually flare up as election fever triggers a political tug of war between rival candidates.
A large number of political leaders including Mir Khalid Lanngo of the National Party (NP) are faced with life threats by militants, mainly Baloch Libration Front of Dr Allah Nazar who has asked people to boycott the LG elections.
Balochistan National Party-Mengal’s (BNP-M’s) Vice President Sajid Tareen has also protested against the election-related violence. Similarly, JUI-F spokesman Jan Achakzai, pointed out that the provincial government was not prepared to hold the LG elections.
Admitting failure, Jan Buledi, the provincial government spokesman said, “We were not ready to hold the elections but the government had no option but to bow before the Supreme Court orders.”
Buledi also admitted that Baloch militants were threatening candidates and many have been forced to withdraw their nomination papers.
However, despite stern warnings from insurgents, over 18,000 candidates are expected to contest over 4,600 seats.
According to Election Commission Balochistan, there are 3.3 million registered voters out of which there are 675, 634 registered female voters.
On Friday, Chief Election Commissioner Justice Nasirul Mulk reviewed arrangements for elections. More than 33,000 staff will perform their duties at polling stations.
In the earthquake-hit Awaran district, 21 candidates have submitted their nomination papers for 121 vacant seats. Whereas nomination papers for 513 seats in different parts of the province have not been submitted.
Baloch, Pashtun nationalists, religious parties and mainstream political parties including PML-N, PPP, PTI are contesting the elections in 32 districts of the province.
Amidst calls for a shutter-down strike in the province by Baloch separatist, ruling NP is expected to secure victory in Makran division in the absence of any other candidate.
Published in The Express Tribune, December 7th, 2013.
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