By NNN-APP
Islamabad : Pakistani Chief Election Commissioner Justice ® Qazi Muhammad Farooq Wednesday announced a 40-day delay in the poll, setting a fresh date of National and Provincial Assemblies elections for February 18, 2008.
Giving reasons, the Chief Election Commissioner described that unrest after PPP Chairperson Benazir Bhutto’s assassination on Dec 27 as main reason behind the delay.
“Benazir’s assassination had not only affected the law and order of the country but also hampered the smooth functioning of the election offices,” he told a crowded news conference.
He said in Sindh’s 11 district election offices were either burnt or destroyed in Ghotki, Jacobabad, Kashmore, Qambar Shahdadkot, Noshero Feroz, Jamshoro, Dadu, Sukkur, Larkana and Thatta.
“Burning of these offices damaged transparent ballot boxes, voters screens, voters lists and polling schemes (all information regarding polling stations) while other election related material was burnt to ashes,” the CEC said.
Offices of the several returning Officers were also set on fire or damaged while the printing process for ballot papers was also affected due to protests and agitation, he added.
“Due to these ground realities, it is not possible to provide voters lists, prepare polling schemes, printing and provision of ballot papers and other election related material in these areas well in time and hold elections on January 08, 2008,” the Chief Election Commissioner said.