Pak polling process continues satisfactory: CEC

Islamabad, Feb 18: Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) of Pakistan Justice Qazi Muhammad Faruque has said that polling is going on satisfactory.

Addressing to media persons here, Faruque said that nothing could be said about the turn out. Faruque further said that a few minor incidents of ghost polling stations could take place, as the election was a major event. He appealed to the electronic media to refrain from highlighting the incidents of violence taking place during the polling. Over 7,200 candidates are contesting the elections and 81.2 million eligible voters are expected to exercise their franchise.

The polling is being held for 269 general seats of the National Assembly and 570 seats of the provincial assemblies. 2,234 candidates are contesting for the 269 general seats, while 5,017 candidates are contesting for 570 seats.

All major parties are participating in the elections. They are Pakistan People's Party (PPP), Pakistan Muslim League-Q (PML-Q), Awami National Party, Muttahida Qaumi Movement and Muslim League-N. Besides, a large number of independent candidates are also in the field.

ANI