ISLAMABAD, Dec 28: Fourth and final phase of the local government elections-2005 was completed in the four provinces on Wednesday when the councillors chose from among themselves 267 naib nazims of district, tehsil and town councils.

However, the elections were not held in Ghotki district (Sindh) due to a Supreme Court order and polling was cancelled in Hangu district of the NWFP and Ferozewala tehsil of Lahore after clashes between rival groups.

“Generally naib nazim elections were held in a transparent manner,” Secretary Election Commissioner Kanwar Mohammad Dilshad told journalists.

However, he said the final results of the elections were likely be announced by the Election Commission on Friday.

Already, candidates in 33 district councils and 165 tehsil/town councils have been elected unopposed as only one candidate each in these councils filed nomination papers.

About the chances of rigging or other irregularities during the election process, the secretary said the chances were remote since the arrangements were fool proof.

In all, the elections were held in 68 district councils, eight city district councils, 161 tehsil or taluka councils and 30 town councils, where 766 candidates were in the run.

The Supreme Court has postponed the elections in Ghotki district till delimitation of constituencies there is completed by the Sindh government.