KHAIRPUR: Deputy Commissioner and District Returning Officer Munawar Mithiani has said that a joint policy has been formulated by the district administration and other departments in order to hold impartial, free and fair local government elections.

Speaking at a meeting held to review arrangements for transportation, communication and security on Tuesday, he said help would be sought from police, Rangers and Army. Therefore, all the returning officers should maintain contact with the officials concerned, he added.

He directed that officials of the education department should ensure proper cleanliness and lighting arrangements at all polling stations whereas the education works department should ensure provision of all necessary facilities there.

Efforts be taken to maintain government writ and to the implement code of conduct; all the contesting candidates be also made bound to follow the code and in case of any breach, strict action would be taken against the candidate concerned, he added.

He also directed the ROs to arrange for transportation, distribution of related material among all the officers concerned and to display the code of conduct outside their offices.

The meeting was told that 6,000 law enforcement agencies personnel had been demanded. Police, Rangers and Army would be deployed at all the sensitive polling stations whereas police and Rangers would maintain law and order at normal polling stations.

It was also told that some 328 polling stations were most sensitive out of total 796.

According to information given at the meeting, there are 52 polling stations, six union councils and two town committees in Faiz Gunj taluka. There are 80 polling stations in Kingri taluka.

Moreover, there are 46 polling stations and six UCs in Khairpur taluka. There are 91 polling stations and five UCs under RO 1 of Gambat whereas 28 polling stations and five UCs under RO 2 of Gambat.

There are 19 polling stations and three town committees under RO 1 and 42 polling stations under RO 2 of Sobhodero taluka. There are 59 polling stations, six UCs and three town committees under RO 1 and 49 polling stations and seven UCs under RO 2 of Kot Diji taluka.

The RO of Nara said there were 46 polling stations in Nara taluka whereas no election would be held in UC Jubo since the candidate had already been declared as successful unopposed.

There are 538 polling stations and eight UCs under RO Thari Mirwah taluka whereas there are 63 polling stations and five UCs under RO 2 of Thari Mirwah. There are 46 polling stations and six UCs under RO 2 Khairpur.

RO Khairpur Tariq Nizamani said there were 80 polling stations, one municipal committee and three town committees under him. RO Noor Mohammad Sahito said there were 34 polling stations and five UCs under him.

The meeting was attended by ROs and officials concerned of police, Rangers and other departments.

Published in Dawn, October 22nd, 2015

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