KARACHI (Republic policy) – A tough contest is expected between PPP’s Murtaza Wahab and JI’s Hafiz Naeemur Rehman for the top slot of the Karachi mayor as all arrangements have been finalised for the election at the Arts Council’s auditorium today.
Starting at 11 am, the voting will involve a show of hands. Around 300 Rangers and police personnel have secured the election venue.
The Interior Ministry on Wednesday approved the deployment of Rangers in Karachi for the mayor and deputy mayor elections.
The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) had written a letter to the Ministry of Interior to provide security for the elections of Karachi’s mayor and deputy mayor, but it was denied. On the refusal of a request by the Ministry of Interior, Election Commission Secretary Umar Hameed wrote to the Interior Secretary again, after which the Interior Ministry approved the deployment of Rangers in the port city.
The Interior Ministry said that the number of paramilitary troops and their deployment would be decided after consultation with the ECP officials.
PPP-JI and PTI number game
So far, no political party has managed to secure a majority, as PPP gained 155 seats while the JI succeeded in winning 130 seats. PTI stands at the third spot with 63 seats.
A simple majority of 179 is required for a mayor to be elected. The PDM has 175 seats, while the JI and the PTI have 193.
After the alleged forward bloc in PTI Karachi, the number game for the mayor slot may change.
Sudden change in venue
As the scheduled election for mayor and deputy mayor in Karachi approached, a sudden venue change was made due to the adverse weather conditions resulting from cyclone Biparjoy.
Originally elections were to take place at the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation, and the election has been moved to the Arts Council auditorium. Officials made This decision as a precautionary measure, considering the expected rainfall and the approaching cyclone Biparjoy which is quickly advancing towards Karachi.
