09 May 2004	Sunday	18 Rabi-ul-Awwal 1425

KARACHI, May 8: Arrangements for by-elections in six constituencies in Sindh were reviewed at a meeting held at the provincial election commission here on Saturday. Justice Muhammad Sadiq Leghari, Member Election Commission, presided over.

Speaking at the meeting Justice Leghari said it was our prime duty to provide full sense of security to voters and take all appropriate measures to satisfy them so that they cast their vote in a free and fair atmosphere.

He asked the provincial administration and police to ensure peace before, during and after polling.

He stressed the need for adopting fool-proof arrangements so that no adverse signal went outside. It was the duty of the provincial government to provide protection and security to people on the polling day, he added.

The Sindh chief secretary, the additional chief secretary home and provincial police officer, briefed the meeting about security arrangements made by the provincial government in connection with by- elections.

The meeting decided to deploy Rangers along with police force in all constituencies, especially in areas which have been declared as most sensitive one. The meeting also decided to provide security to the candidates.

It was also decided to ensure the availability of the army for the maintenance of law and order.

The by-election would be held in three national assembly and one provincial assembly constituencies in Karachi and one provincial assembly constituency each in Sanghar and Khairpur districts.

The meeting was informed that besides Rangers and police the army will also be patrolling in the areas where by-elections will be held. More force will be deployed in sensitive areas of SITE, Baldia, Keamari and Malir.

The Member Election Commission assured that full protection to the candidates and the voters would be provided. No one would be allowed to carry weapons, as all would be physically searched at the polling stations and camps.

It was decided that a local holiday would be declared in the cities of Sindh where by-elections would be held on May 12 besides the imposition of section 144.

It was decided that advisers and ministers would be allowed to enter the poling stations.

The polling will start at 8am and continue till 5pm. However, those present on the premises would be allowed to cast their votes.

It was clarified in the meeting that no change had been made in the polling stations.

Election campaign will end 48 hours before the election i.e. at midnight of May 10, 2004.

The meeting was attended by chief secretary of Sindh, the IG, Sindh, the DCO, the additional chief secretary, the local government and home DROs of West, Centre and Malir and senior offices of the Election Commission from Islamabad. - APP