The counting of votes is under way after polling ended peacefully for the by-election in PS-70, Matli, Badin II, on Thursday, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

The polling staff went straight into the votes counting after polling ended at 5pm amid reported of not-so-much healthy turnout.

Six candidates took part in the election. PPP’s Haji Muhammad Halepoto, JUI’s Maulana Gul Hassan, Majlis-e-Wahdatul Muslameen’s Asad Leghari, proscribed Tehreek-e-Labbaik’s Pir Muhammad Ali Jan and independent candidate Abdul Aziz Halepoto were in the race.

The PS-70 seat fell vacant after the demise of PPP MPA Bashir Ahmad Halepoto.

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According to district election commissioner Azhar Hussain Tanwari, the total number of registered voters in the constituency was 166,809. The number of total male registered voters was 91,587 while the female registered voters count was 75,222, informed the district election commissioner.

Tanwari said 123 polling stations were set up in PS-70 constituency, adding that 41 among them were considered sensitive while 12 were declared very sensitive.

He said 1,671 police officials provided security during the polling whereas 395 Rangers were posted in PS-70 for the same purpose.

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A large number of female voters have seen thronging the Government Girls High School polling station. In this area, a tough competition was expected between PPP and JUI. 

JUI candidate Maulana Gul Hassan Zwar expressed his satisfaction over the election arrangements at the polling stations. 

The Maulana was so eager to cast his vote that he forgot to bring his voter slip and left it at home. He could not cast his ballot. However, he said that he was satisfied with the election arrangements. 

Reporter Malik Danish