Over 5 lakh registered voters in NA 245 are exercising their democratic and constitutional right to vote today amid political heat and inte...
Over 5 lakh registered voters in NA 245 are exercising their democratic and constitutional right to vote today amid political heat and intense efforts by political parties to garner support.
The polling process which started at 8 am will continue uninterrupted till 5 pm, the initial hours of voting saw low turnout.
The by-election to the seat, which fell vacant after the death of Dr Aamir Liaquat Hussain in June, was scheduled to be held on July 27, but due to heavy rains in the city, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) postponed the polling.
Aamir Liaquat Hussain was elected Member of National Assembly on Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) ticket in 2018 general elections.
Also read: PPP candidate withdraws in favor of MQM in NA-245 by-election
Aamir Liaquat Hussain secured 56,673 votes and defeated Dr. Farooq Sattar of MQM Pakistan, who secured 35,429 votes.
Senior PTI leader Fawad Chaudhry urged voters to come out of their homes and exercise their right to vote.
Fawad Chaudhry, in his statement on the social networking website Twitter, said that the people of Karachi should come out of their homes today and give a decision in favor of Tehreek-e-Insaf.
The former federal minister said that today Karachi will stand with the truth, stand for democracy and true freedom.
On the other hand, the Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja said in his ongoing statement that violence and interference will not be tolerated, he appealed to the citizens to vote at the polling stations without fear and danger.
Sikandar Sultan Raja said that immediate action will be taken against those who violate the law.
The Chief Election Commissioner further said that those spreading unrest will be arrested immediately.
Along with this, the Election Commission also posted a video on Twitter showing its election control room with officers present while various TV screens can be seen in the background.
Contending candidates
Although there are 17 candidates competing in the NA-245 seat, the main contest is expected between MQM Pakistan's Moeed Anwar, PTI's Mehmood Baki Maulvi, TLP's Mohammad Ahmad Raza and Dr. Farooq Sattar.
Farooq Sattar is contesting the election as an independent, his election symbol is 'Tala'.
PSP has fielded its senior member Syed Hafeezuddin for the by-election, while PPP's Mohammad Danish Khan and JUI's Aminullah have withdrawn their papers.
Read more: Karachi Election: Jamaat-e-Islami will not participate
The by-election has assumed a lot of significance as it is being held just a week before the local body elections in Karachi.
After the ruling Pakistan People's Party (PPP) in Sindh and some other parties in the ruling alliance at the Center supported the candidate of MQM Pakistan, the competition for the main contenders has become very tough and interesting.
The MQM-Pakistan has been alleging that it was robbed of its mandate in Karachi in the 2018 elections, and now faces the challenge of proving its claim at a time when the PTI's popularity seems to be on the rise. .
Other factors in the constituency that make the situation more difficult for the MQM include TLP and PSP candidates as well as Dr. Sattar, who experts believe is anti-PTI. Will split the vote.
Also Read: NA 245, Karachi East 4: Tehreek-e-Insaf successful
This time PTI has given the ticket to Mehmood Moulvi, his opponents include Moeed Anwar of MQM Pakistan, Ahmed Raza of TLP and Dr. Farooq Sattar who finished second in the 2018 general elections.
Like the NA 240 by-election, Jamaat-e-Islami is not contesting in this by-election either, it will hold a rally today in connection with its 'Karachi Rights Movement'.
Areas in the constituency include Jamshed Quarters and Ferozeabad Sub-Division including PECHS, Lines Area, Pakistan Quarters, Soldier Bazar, New Town, Patel Para, Garden West, Martin Quarters, Tin Hatti, PIB. Colony etc.
The people of this area mostly belong to the middle class who run small businesses, most of the voters of the constituency are employed in government and private departments or earn income by doing daily labor.
Read more: PTI candidate joins Muttahida before election
This area is inhabited by people speaking different languages, including Urdu, Gujarati, Balochi, Punjabi, Pashto, Sindhi speakers.
There are more than 515,000 registered voters in this constituency, including 71,463 new voters who joined after the July 2018 general elections.
Authority of Presiding Officer
For today's by-elections, the Election Commission has set up 263 polling stations with 1,52 polling booths for the convenience of voters.
Also Read: Request for army deployment for by-elections in three provinces
On the other hand, the Election Commission has also planned to introduce the use of new technology on an experimental basis while claiming to have completed all the arrangements for the by-elections.
In the notification issued by the Election Commission for NA 245, it is stated that Pakistan Rangers (Sindh) and security personnel of the Pakistan Army will be deployed (standby only) in the said constituency from August 20 to 22 for the peaceful conduct of polling. shall be.
The notification states that any irregularity and violation noticed during the performance of security duties will be reported to the presiding officer and the instructions issued by the officer will be followed in this regard.
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