LB polls in Balochistan: Final phase to be completed on January 28

Balochistan all set to become first province with local government system

QUETTA: Balochistan is all set to become the first province in the country with an elected local government, with the s final phase of elections due to be held on January 28, 2015.

Addressing a press conference at his office in Quetta on Wednesday, Balochistan Election Commissioner Sultan Bayazid said that despite challenges, the province would be the first one to have local government system after completion of final phase of local bodies election.

“Over 10,000 elected councilors will vote via secret ballots to elect 725 mayors/chairmen and 725 deputy mayors/vice chairman across Balochistan,” he said adding that the councilors would be administered their oath by presiding officers before elections start on the same day.

As many as 139 presiding officers will be deputed during this final phase. The councilors would use ballot papers of two different colours for voting for the mayors and deputy mayors. They will be elected for a tenure of four years.

Commenting on security measures taken for the final phase of polls, the provincial election commissioner said that government has decided to take stringent measures.

“The country is going through a critical situation. That is why there would be foolproof security arrangements.”