23 May 2004	Sunday	03 Rabi-us-Saani 1425

KARACHI, May 22: In the military supervised local body by-polls in the city on Saturday, candidates supported by Al-Khidmat and Awam Dost groups triumphed without any untoward incident.

The two panels had coordinated their efforts and made adjustments to defeat the rival candidates.

Polling started at 9.30am and concluded at 4pm. Official sources said it was held in a peaceful atmosphere. Unlike the May 12 by-polls for national and provincial assemblies seats, in which many people were killed and injured, there was no report of violence on Saturday.

"We have received no complaints today," said an official of the provincial election commission.

In Malir Town, Mr Naveedul Islam, backed by Al-Khidmat group in the non-party elections, was elected nazim with 93 votes. Out of a total of 146 votes, 145 were polled. Mr Salahuddin got 50 votes, according to unofficial results.

The seat of nazim had fallen vacant after the demise of Mr Azam Ali of Al-Khidmat group. A few months back, on the occasion of choosing the acting naib nazim, violence had erupted and there were complaints of highhandedness and partisan role of the administration.

The army had cordoned off the roads leading to the vicinity of each polling station and no one other than councillors were allowed to enter the premises.

In Lyari Town, a sitting PPP MPA was not allowed to enter a poling station.

In order to ensure transparent elections, the Member Election Commission, Justice Muhammad Sadiq Leghari, had announced that no unconcerned person, including any minister, adviser, zila nazim, naib zila nazim, taluka/town nazim or naib nazim, political figure or government official, except those on polling duty, should enter the polling station.

According to unofficial results received till Saturday evening, for the two seats of women councillor, Saeeda Nawaz and Rukhsana Faisal with 103 and 100 votes respectively were declared elected. In this constituency, 211 votes were polled out of 248.

In Gulshan Town, where 159 out of total 269 votes were polled, Sajila Mahar of Al-Khidmat group and Anees Fatima of Awam Dost panel were declared elected to the reserved seats for women councillors with 103 and 51 votes respectively.

In Lyari Town, Hafiza Noor of Awam Dost panel won with 83 votes. Her nearest rival was Begum Faiz Mughal who was backed by the PPP-SB. She obtained 68 votes. Sheba Tahir of Al-Khidmat had already been declared elected unopposed for the New Karachi Town seat. Mr Easa alias Johni was also elected unopposed on a minorities seat.

Meanwhile, Sindh chief secretary Dr Mutawakil Kazi along with Provincial Police Officer, on Saturday visited various polling centres in connection with local bodies byelections and reviewed security and other measures, adds APP.

Talking to the polling staff at polling stations, the chief secretary told them to remain alert and perform their duties with all honesty and maintaining transparency.

He asked the security personnel and officials concerned to perform their responsibilities under laid down rules and regulations so as to maintain the sanctity of polling process.

Referring to the responsibilities of election staff and officials having magisterial powers, Dr Kazi exhorted them to maintain the supremacy of law with fear of Allah in their hearts and not to misuse their authority.

He made queries about supply of food and water to election staff and other officials.

The chief secretary also talked to voters and made queries about the polling process.

During the visit, the chief secretary remained in constant touch with administrative officials, rangers and police authorities and law enforcing organizations.

He took critical stock of supply of electricity and water at polling centres and called for an improvement. He made it clear that as per policy of the Election Commission and code of conduct, voters need to be provided with all due facilities and environment so that they could use their right of vote without fear and independently.