UMERKOT:The PS-52 Umerkot by-election began today amid strict security measures. However, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) set against Covid were violating at the poll premises.
A tough poll contest was seen between Pakistan People’s Party candidate Amir Ali Shah and Grand Democratic Alliance’s candiate Arbab Ghulam Rahim, the former Sindh Chief minister. The polls are being held at 128 polling stations across the district Umerkot.
The PS-52 seat fell vacant last year due to the death of PPP MPA Ali Mardan Shah. The Election Commission of Pakistan and local government have finalized all arrangements for the polls. Heavy contingents of police and rangers have been deployed to ensure the security and implement SOPs.
The ECP has barred the federal ministers, provincial ministers and assembly members from visiting the constituency to ensure fair and transparent election.