Balochistan sees local leadership battle in mid-term polls

QUETTA: By-elections will be held in seven districts of Balochistan: Zhob, Sherani, Laralai, Barkhan, Kalat, Khuzdar and Sorab on Sunday (today).

The by-election are being conducted to fill local government seats that have remained vacant due to various reasons over the past year.

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A total of 25 candidates are set to compete for 16 available seats, with 106 general councillors eligible to vote. Polling will take place from 8 am to 4 pm.

The vacant seats up for grabs include six reserved for women, contested by 15 candidates; two labourers’ seats with four candidates; one farmers’ seat involving three candidates, and seven seats representing non-Muslim communities, where here candidates are standing.

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The Balochistan by-elections follow the local government polls held across 32 districts of Balochistan on May 29, 2022. Provincial law mandates that the mid-term elections occur annually to fill vacancies that arise in local councils.