ECP finalises arrangements for LB polls in Punjab, Sindh

ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has given final touches to the arrangements for the first phase of local bodies election in 20 districts of Punjab and Sindh on October 31.
According to the ECP, ballot papers have been printed and handed over to the two provinces. Eight districts in Sindh, where the local bodies polls are being held, are Sukkur, Khairpur, Ghotki, Larkana, Shikarpur, Jacobabad, Kashmore and Qamber.
Similarly, the 12 districts in Punjab that will go to the polls, are Lahore, Faisalabad, Gujrat, Chakwal, Bhakkar, Nankana Sahib, Kasur, Pakpattan, Okara, Lodhran, Vehari and Bahawalnagar.
Meanwhile, the ECP has said all the voters of Punjab and Sindh provinces can check their voting and polling station details by sending CNIC number on 8300. According to ECP sources, the Chief Election Commissioner Justice (R) Sardar Muhammad Raza has given three-year extension to the commission’s Secretary Babar Yaqoob Fateh Muhammad from October 31, 2015 to October 31, 2018.
APP adds: Election Commission of Pakistan has extended time duration to cast vote for the upcoming Local Bodies elections in Sindh and Punjab. The polling will begin at 7:30 am and continue till 5:30 pm without any break and now the time duration for balloting will be 10 hours instead of 9 hours, said spokesman of the ECP.
The ECP has also directed the election staff to arrive at their respective polling stations two hours prior to polling time. The first phase of LG polls in Sindh and Punjab will begin on October 31. Spokesman said that voters have to bring National Identity card with them for casting vote, adding passport and driving license will not be acceptable.