Second phase of local bodies elections in 12 districts of Punjab and 14 districts of Sindh concluded peacefully as compared to first phase of the polls. But few incidents of scuffles were reported among rival groups which injured 25 people.
In the second phase of LB elections, polling held in Punjab’s Sargodha, Gujranwala, Sahiwal, Attock, Jhelum, Mianwali, Chiniot, Toba Tek Singh, Hafizabad, Mandi Bahauddin, Sheikhupura and Khanewal districts. In Sindh, polling has been held in Hyderabad, Tando Muhammad Khan, Tando Allahyar, Matiari, Dadu, Jamshoro, Badin, Thatta, Sajawal, Shaheed Benazirabad, Nausharo Feroz, Mirpur Khas, Umerkot and Tharparkar while the polling in Sanghar district has been postponed due to security reasons.
More than 20 million voters exercised their right, but it was sad to know that in various polling stations of both provinces women voters were barred from casting their votes.
Negligence of ECP was also reported, few candidates were protesting as they were allotted wrong and in some cases misprinted election symbols. Polling stations remained suspended in few stations as ink ran out. ECP received over 1000 complaints, most of them were about misprinting of ballot papers, delay in commencement of elections or ballot paper reaching late to polling stations etc.
Tight security arrangements were made to ensure free, fair and transparent polling. As it was being expected PML N maintained lead with 960 seats but PTI also performed better as compared to first phase of elections and bagged 288 seats. Independent candidates again while surprising everyone won 765 seats in Punjab.
If we put glance on the result of Sindh province, biggest surprise emerged from Badin where Zulfiqar Mirza’s group won most of the seats. PPP ruling party of the province still managed to won maximums seats 988 while MQM also remained impressive with 108 seats. Independent candidates also won significant seats in Sindh.
Security arrangements were better as second phase of local body elections remained peaceful as compared to the first phase.
