SWABI, Feb 18: The rumours of bomb blasts haunted the voters as well as candidates of different political parties on the Election Day here on Monday.

The rumours disseminated by unknown people doubled miseries of voters because the sense of insecurity was already high due to continued suicide attacks in various regions of NWFP and tribal belt. Majority of the people were not ready to come out from their homes to exercise their right of vote.

Muhammad Ali Johar, an Awami National Party supporter said: “My mother stopped me from visiting the polling station because she heard about the suicide attacks.” Interestingly the district was declared normal by the government. About 12.00 at noon it was said that a bomb exploded in Kalu Khan and journalists as well as the leaders and workers of various parties rushed to know the real position.Likewise, the news about a bomb blast at a polling station in Gohati turned to be a rumour and the people took a sigh of relief. It was also claimed by some people that bomb exploded in the proper Swabi region, which killed some voters and maimed others.

Meanwhile, foreign observers visited some polling stations in different constituencies of the district. The observers also met with the district police officer and exchanged views with them about the preparation and provision of security.