KARACHI, July 18: As political stakeholders in the local bodies elections accelerated their efforts to crystallize their proxy electoral alliance, more than 500 contenders filed their nomination papers for different union councils of the metropolis on Monday, the first day of submission of nomination papers. According to reports received from various Returning Officers, over 1,300 aspirants had obtained nomination forms in the first phase of the elections scheduled for August 18. Issuance of the nomination papers continued on Monday.

According to initial reports, RO of Gulshan Town received 12 nomination papers and issued 10 forms for seven union councils of the town. Thirty-five nomination papers were filed with the RO of Shah Faisal Town who also issued 10 forms for different slots of four union councils.

Similarly 10 candidates submitted their nomination papers and 10 others received forms for four union councils of Korangi.

Jamshed Town RO issued 30 forms and received eight nomination papers. In the former district East, eight candidates submitted their papers for four union councils and 190 aspirants obtained fresh forms.

The RO of Landhi issued nine forms and received 12 papers whereas 28 papers were submitted for Malir union councils.

In Gulberg Town, 50 candidates submitted their papers and eight new forms were issued. The RO of Liaquatabad issued 30 forms and received 25 papers for five union councils.

In Baldia, 185 candidates submitted their nomination papers and three obtained fresh forms. The RO of Keamari received about 100 nomination papers and issued eight fresh forms.

Some 38 candidates submitted their nomination papers in SITE.