The PML-N senior leader Khawaja Saad Rafique demanded of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to extend the polling time as according to him, there were long queues of voters at about 70 polling stations at 5:00 pm. He cited high security, and Sunday being a holiday as main reasons for many people not being able to cast their votes on time.
However, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Ijaz Chaudhry urged the authorities not to extend the polling time. The ECP had set up 220 polling stations - 103 for male voters, 98 for women and 19 joint polling stations for men and women voters. There were 321,786 voters, including 142,144 female voters. The ECP had delivered 350,000 ballot papers to the election staff.
For the first time in the country's history, Biometric Voter Verification Machines were also tested in the constituency. Some 30,000 voters cast their votes on biometric machines. More than 100 biometric machines were installed at 39 polling stations. In all, 44 candidates, including 32 independents and 12 from different political parties have taken part in the by-election. Begum Kulsoom Nawaz of Pakistan Muslim League-(N), Dr Yasmeen Rashid from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf and Faisal Mir from Pakistan People's Party were the main contestants. Among the candidates were Jamaat-e-Islami (JI)'s Ziaur Rehman Ansari and the newly formed Milli Muslim League's independent candidate, Sheikh Mohammad Yaqoob.
To ensure smooth and peaceful polling process, strict security measures were in place inside and outside the polling stations and 1500 Army personnel remained on duty. Army personnel remained present within the polling stations while police personnel remained deployed outside polling stations. Up to 7000 Police personnel were deployed to maintain law & order. Traffic personnel were also posted within the constituency to ensure smooth flow of traffic.
There were reports of delayed start of polling at a few polling stations including Education University opposite MAO College. Voters as well as polling agents were allowed entry at about 8.30am. Punjab health minister Khawaja Imran Nazir moved a complaint with the returning officer regarding an hour's delay in polling in some areas. Hours after polling started, activists of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and PML-N almost came to blows at Cooper Road, chanting slogans against each other. Law enforcement personnel, however, warned the political workers of baton charge, following which the activists dispersed. Supporters of both the parties chanted slogans in favor of their leaders in the election camps set up at Mozang Adda, Ganga Ram chowk and other places.
PTI's candidate Dr Yasmin Rashid remained active throughout the day. She visited different polling stations. Talking to the media, Dr Yasmin Rashid expressed satisfaction over the polling process. She urged registered voters, particularly women, to come and cast their vote so as to "save the future of their offspring".
Faisal Mir of PPP, however, expressed his displeasure over the voting, alleging that the ECP was inclined in favor of the ruling PML-N. During a visit to a polling station, Mir said that the election is being rigged and that the PPP agents are forcefully being taken out of polling booths.
The PML-N leader Hafiz Nauman visited Election Commission's office and lodged complaint for not allowing entry to the polling agents. PTI leader Jahangir Tareen visited the constituency and expressed satisfaction over the polling arrangements. There was incident of scuffle between PML-N workers and police near a polling station close to Bilal Gunj-Bund Road junction. Party workers were attempting to go into the polling station, saying they had 'permission' but the police did not allow them. Tussle between police and PTI workers was also reported at Gaoun Shala polling station after PTI candidate Yasmin Rashid's visit. Independent candidate Yaqoob Sheikh along with his supporters also visited different polling stations. Counting of votes was in progress till the filing of this report.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2017