Polling is currently in progress for local government by-elections in seven districts of Balochistan, where several seats have remained unfilled over the past year.

According to the Provincial Election Commission, the by-elections are being conducted in the districts of Zhob, Sherani, Loralai, Barkhan, Kalat, Khuzdar, and Surab. Voting began early in the day and will continue uninterrupted until 4 p.m.

A total of 25 candidates are vying for 16 vacant positions, with 106 general councilors eligible to cast their votes. The vacant positions include a mix of general and reserved seats, reflecting the province’s diverse representation needs.

Among the 16 available seats, six are designated for women, for which 15 candidates are in the race. Additionally, two labor seats are being contested by four candidates, three candidates are competing for one farmer seat, and three individuals are in the running for seven non-Muslim seats.

These by-elections are being held under the framework of Balochistan’s local government laws, which mandate yearly polls for any council positions left vacant. The last comprehensive local government elections in the province were conducted on May 29, 2022, across 32 districts.

Today’s by-elections are part of ongoing efforts to ensure continuous representation and functionality at the grassroots level in Balochistan’s local governance system.