KARACHI, Nov 11: The Muttahida Majlis-i-Amal has decided to retain the same candidates who had been fielded in the 2002 general election, for the December 10 by-election in three constituencies – PS 106, 117 and 120. However, according to MMA sources, it has not ruled out adjustment with the ARD if the latter fielded its candidates.

The last date for filing nomination papers is November 15.

All three seats pertain to Karachi district and are considered to be the strongholds of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement from where, over the past two decades, Haq Parast nominees had been returning to the assembly with a wide margin of votes against their rivals.

The PS-117 and 106 seats have been vacated by Syed Mustafa Kamal and Kanwar Neveed Jamil who have now been elected as city nazims of Karachi and Hyderabad, respectively. The PS-120 seat has fallen vacant due to death of MPA Ali Bin Hamid Zaidi.

The PS-106 constituency comprises mostly Liaquatabad localities where the number of male voters is 67,823 and that of female voters 59,534.

The PS-117 constituency covers PIB Colony, Jehangir Road, Jamshed Quarters, Pakistan Quarters, Garden East and Parsi Colony. The total numbers of male voters here is 65,136 and that of female voters 54,925.

The PS-120 constituency comprises Shah Faisal Colony and its adjoining localities.