Aakash Hassan

ISLAMABAD

CM Ms Mehbooba Mufti visited some polling stations in Islamabad on Wednesday along with her brother Tasaduq Mufti.
CM Ms Mehbooba Mufti visited some polling stations in Islamabad on Wednesday along with her brother Tasaduq Mufti.

The voting process for 40-Islamabad, ended on Wednesday evening with 33.84% turnout comprising of 28446 votes with 15384 males and 13062 female from the total voter population of 84067, including the 638 migrant votes , with 378 males and 260 female.

While as 66.16%, that is 55,621 voters, comprising of 27,456 males and 28,165 females remained out from the poll process.

The rural areas witnessed brisk voting, while as in urban pockets the story was entirely different. Highest number of votes was reported from Wantrag with 79% turnout and lowest was reported from old town area, Hazratbal, with just 7% turnout.

In the Islamabad town, business establishments, shops remained shut with public transport off the roads.

Ladies took lead in some areas in the voting process amid boycott call by separatist leadership. (KL Image: Shah Hilal)
Ladies took lead in some areas in the voting process amid boycott call by separatist leadership. (KL Image: Shah Hilal)

The boycott call by the separatist camp was seen dominant in the Islamabad Town where its effect remained squat.

The polling process started at 7 in the morning and rural areas started responding soon with the good flow. The first update came at 11 am and the turnout was 14%, subsequently, 23% till 1 pm and then 32% by 5pm with closing at 33.84%.

The turnout has dipped by 5% from the last elections, with 39% turnout at that time and before that it was 41%.

There were 102 polling stations excluding the polling stations set for migrant voters. Among the 102 polling stations 20 were connected through web-casting. “This was first time that 20 stations were connected through web-casting,” said DC Islamabad.

In the fray was the incumbent Chief Minister, Ms Mehbooba Mufti.

FAte of 8 candidates was sealed with a total of 34% voting recorded in Islamabad By-Polls on June 22, 2016.The Polling staff and the security bandobast. (KL Images: Shah Hilal)
Fate of 8 candidates was sealed with a total of 34% voting recorded in Islamabad By-Polls on June 22, 2016.  (KL Images: Shah Hilal)

She also visited the constituency taking stock of the poll work. She visited major areas, and interacted with the people. According to the locals, her visit on Election Day has added in her stock of votes.

“She is a famous face, and when she visited the polling booths, it left an impact on the voters. It will suddenly add to her efforts,” said a scribe.

While exploring and interacting with the people, observers believe ruling PDP retaining the seat, however, they did not rule out tough battle this election put candidates to.

Meanwhile, election process went smooth and no major untoward incident was reported.

However, in Islamabad town stone pelting incidents were reported from Malaknag, Hazratbal, Anchidora and Khanabal.

“The security was beefed up on the time of closing to ensure the security of polling staff,” said a police official said. “There was no untoward incident and all the polling staff reached safely,” he added.

There were reports that stones were pelted at Khanabal on the bus carrying polling staff, but there were no reports of any one being hurt.

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