LB polls: Ruling parties take early lead in Punjab, Sindh

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LB polls: Ruling parties take early lead in Punjab, Sindh

Women voters casting their vote during the 2nd phase of the local government elections in Hyderabad.ONLINE PHOTO by Nadeem Khawer

Islamabad - Independent candidates at third place followed by PTI.

By Afzal Khan

Published: Thu 19 Nov 2015, 11:00 PM

Last updated: Fri 20 Nov 2015, 1:00 AM

The second phase of local government elections in 12 Punjab and 14 Sindh districts were held largely in a peaceful atmosphere barring some fist-fighting between rival groups at a number of polling stations.
Chief Election Commissioner Sardar Raza Khan expressed satisfaction that the second phase concluded peacefully in both provinces except some minor incidents.
According to early results the ruling PML-N in Punjab and PPP in Sindh were leading at most polling stations.
Like the first phase, independent candidates were in the second position with the PTI at distant third in Punjab. In Sindh, the PPP was dominant but not at the same ratio as in the first phase.
The turnout, according to preliminary reports, was pretty low in both provinces and estimated between 30 to 35 per cent. In Sindh, the Election Commission on Wednesday deferred elections in 81 union councils. The polls have been postponed in Hyderabad, Tando Allahyar, Mirpurkhas, Badin, Tharparkar, Nawab Shah, Jamshoro and Naushero Feroze districts.
PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Sindh Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah and former president Asif Ali Zardari strongly denounced the last minute postponement.
At least 25 people were injured in scuffles between political rivals and their supporters during the course of the day. One person was killed and 15 injured in Mandi Bahauddin in a clash between two rival groups of PML-N after polling ended.
Earlier in the day, it was reported that women voters were barred from casting their votes at various polling stations in both provinces.
Polling was also suspended at certain stations after ink ran out.