QUETTA: All preparations have been finalised for local government by-elections in 50 general wards across 25 districts of Balochistan, scheduled to take place on Sunday (today).

According to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), 167 candidates are contesting for 50 general ward seats. A total of 60 polling stations and 138 polling booths have been established to accommodate 43,784 registered voters. Polling will be conducted from 8am to 5pm without any break.

The ECP has completed all security and logistical arrangements, with polling materials distributed to presiding officers on Saturday. Authorities have ensured that all necessary measures are in place to facilitate a smooth electoral process.

The ECP has set up an Election Monitoring and Control Centre (EMCC) to oversee the by-elections. The centre will act as a platform for the public to lodge complaints related to the electoral process. Immediate action will be taken to address grievances, with trained staff appointed to handle complaints efficiently.

The commission said that immediate action would be taken to resolve complaints, and trained staff have been appointed to handle the process.

Additionally, the Election Commission has set up control centres at four levels to register and address public complaints related to the electoral process, including at the Election Commission Secretariat in Islamabad, as well as at provincial, divisional and district levels.

The public can also contact the EMCC staff via email at complaints@ecp.gov.pk to lodge their complaints regarding the by-elections.

The EMCC has also provided a dedicated helpline at 051111327000. Compla­ints can be submitted to the EMCC from 8am to 5pm until Jan 25.

On the polling day, the EMCC will continue operations until the results are received.

Published in Dawn, January 26th, 2025