KARACHI, Feb 26: Acting Chief Election Commissioner Justice Adbul Hameed Dogar has said that computerisation of electoral rolls would be completed this year which, he said, would go a long way in ensuring free, fair and transparent elections in the country.

Chairing a high-level meeting here on Sunday to review the progress in computerisation of electoral rolls, he said that the lists of 2002 and 2001, on the basis of which last general elections and local body elections had been held, would be examined thoroughly.

“After in-depth examination of both the lists and removal of deficiencies, comparisons will be made which would be followed by door-to-door checking and then final compilation of computerized electoral rolls-2006 will be made,” he explained.

In reply to a question regarding re-polling for National Assembly seat NA-210 Kashmore, Justice Dogar expressed satisfaction that real and transparent polling was held in this constituency.

He said that the total turnout was 19.33 per cent. Winner Ghalib Hussain Domki secured 46120 votes while loser Mir Imran Khan Bijarani bagged 9327 votes.

He said instead of appointing primary teachers as presiding officers, this time polling staff was taken from Universities and other districts.

Replying another question, Justice Dogar said the next general elections would be held in 2007 as per schedule while the presidential elections would be held in accordance with the constitution after completion of five-year term by the incumbent president.

Earlier, Election Commissioner Sindh Chaudhry Qamar-uz-Zaman briefed the acting CEC about the progress in compilation of electoral roll of Sindh province.—APP