KARACHI, June 22: Stage is set for holding peaceful polling on Monday in National Assembly constituency NA-255 Landhi-Korangi where polling will be held between 8 am and 5 pm without any break.
There are over 248,000 voters in the constituency where 16 candidates are in the run. However, a tough contest is expected between Dr Farooq Sattar of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement and Mohammad Aslam Mujahid of the Muttahida Majlis-i-Amal.
The seat fell vacant after the death of Mehmood Qureshi of the MQM-Haqiqi who got elected in the October 2002 elections by defeating Aslam Mujahid of the MMA by 400 votes.
The MQM(H) has fielded Syed Abid Jafri, but it has failed to campaign for its candidate and has accused the administration of siding with the candidate of the ruling alliance.
The authorities have already called out the army in support of para-military forces to ensure harmony and peace. The army is seen patrolling in the area for the last 48 hours. Besides, the authorities have banned pillion-riding on motorcycles till June 24.
A total of 194 polling stations have been established in 97 places with 659 polling booths, including 337 for men and 282 for women and about 2,000 polling staff has been assigned duties with 194 polling officers.
The services of 4,745 police officials have been acquired for election duty. Of these, 2,066 would be posted in Landhi where 135 polling stations had been set up and 1,244 in Korangi where 59 polling stations have been established.
In addition to patrolling of the army, 18 police pickets in Landhi and four pickets in Korangi have been set up.
Three quick reaction parties with 26 personnel in each party and 36 mobiles will be available on specific election duty for ensuring election security under the wing commander/ company commander.
This arrangement will be in addition to 1,435 police personnel already deployed in 191 pickets in NA-255 constituency.
Meanwhile, all offices of the provincial govt in Landhi and Korangi Towns will remain closed today.
