GUJRAT: Polling remained smooth and peaceful across the district though the process was largely slow with candidates claiming their polling agents were ousted from polling stations.
However, the authorities concerned addressed the complaints immediately. Voters also complained they could not find out the location of their polling stations through the election commission’s 8300 SMS service however the service returned to normal in the afternoon.
One of the reasons for low voter turnout could be lack of pick-and-drop transport facilities offered this time by candidates. The harsh weather was also said to have contributed to the turnout.
Reports of delayed polling were also received from Jhelum and Mandi Bahauddin districts where candidates and supporters said such slow pace was unprecedented. An official source in Gujrat claimed strict security measures could have caused the process to slow down. Some reporters also complained of interference in their duties by security staff.
BAHAWALNAGAR: Polling concluded peacefully amid tight security across the district. A clash was reported from Marot where a PML-N worker was assaulted allegedly by his opponents with a dagger to prevent him from voting. Police arrested the suspect.
KASUR: Polling was reported to have been generally slow and a large number of voters had to wait outside polling stations in long queues. Heavy rain at about 3pm also disrupted the polling process for an hour.
MULTAN: Polling here largely remained peaceful barring a couple of clashes. A suspect wearing the uniform of a security force was arrested from Government Boys Primary School, Kotla Rahim Ali, Basti Malook polling station of NA-158. A clash between PTI and PML-N workers took place at Rashidabad polling station. Commissioner Nadim Irshad Kayani visited the central election control room and Deputy Commissioner Mudassir Riaz Malik briefed him about the arrangements.
PTI Vice Chairman Shah Mehmood Qureshi told reporters he was satisfied with the arrangements. PML-N leader Javed Hashmi told the media: “People who are not casting their vote are damaging the future of the country.” He alleged the election was rigged even before the polling time ended.
GUJRANWALA: Voters here told Dawn that they were satisfied with the polling process. The election commission received eight complaints of voting starting late. The commission’s spokesperson claimed that they quickly acted and removed any inconvenience.
A large number of women were said to have voted this time around. Voters queued up outside polling stations despite rain. Minor disputes were witnessed between PTI and PML-N activists.
VEHARI: A voter died of heart attack while standing in a queue outside a polling station in Chak 2257/EB Gagao.
In Chak 493/EB of NA-162 Burewala, a clash erupted between supporters of independent candidate Nazir Jutt and PML-N however police managed to control the situation.
However, strict security generally ensured smooth polling here though there were complaints of slow process in all polling stations. DC Irfan Kathia and DPO Ahmed Aziz monitored the polling process through a control room and also visited various polling stations.
Kathia told the media security arrangements would remain intact even after the announcement of results.
An official of the district election office predicted the voter turnout to be around 45 per cent in Vehari.
Published in Dawn, July 26th, 2018