PML-N takes early lead in Khushab’s PP-84 by-poll

PUNJAB: The balloting process for the by-election in the Punjab  Assembly constituency of PP-84 Khushab has ended and the counting of votes is underway.

According to the unofficial, preliminary results from 100 of 229 polling stations, PML-N’s Moazzam Sher Kallu is in the lead with PTI’s Ali Hussain Khan Baloch in second place. The Sargodha District seat fell vacant after PML-N MPA Malik Muhammad Waris Kallu died on March 12 from COVID-19.

The government, by way of preparations, formed 10 teams that will monitor the electoral process all the way to the announcement of the results.

The PML-N, PTI and PPP are among the parties contesting the poll. Commissioner Sargodha Division Dr Farah Masood and Regional Police Officer (RPO) Sargodha Ashfaq Khan visited Khushab district on Monday and reviewed security arrangements for the by-election.

The RPO had directed the DPO Khushab Muhammad Naveed and Deputy Commissioner Musarat Jabeen to ensure security and smooth conduct of elections in the constituency and safe delivery of ballot boxes and other election materials at the polling booths.

There a total of 292,000 registered voters in the provincial assembly constituency including 155,104 male and 137,583 female. The election commission has set up 229 polling stations, featuring 666 polling booths — 344 for male and 322 for female voters.