Voter Turnout Was 60 Percent: Pakistan Election Commissioner

Islamabad, May 13, IRNA -- Pakistan Chief Election Commissioner, Fakhruddin G Ebrahim in his first post-election news conference said that the voter turnout across the country remained high and put it approximately at 60 percent. The CEC thanked the law enforcement agencies for their role in holding ˈfree and fairˈ elections in the country. The CEC added that it was now up to the people to ensure good governance. “The ball is in your [elected government] court now,” he said. The CEC also appreciated the arrangements made by the provincial governments, law enforcement agencies and the military for providing security on election day. “I had said on day one that if you give us law and order, we will give you free and fair elections. Free and fair elections would not have been possible in the absence of these arrangements.” “It was a difficult task but officials have worked really hard,” he added. Commenting on the delay in polling in NA-250 (Karachi), the CEC said this was the only seat which would require re-polling. “Polling staff at NA-250 was hijacked,” he explained. The CEC further said that voter turnout in Lower Dir was 30 percent. It was a difficult task but officials have worked really hard,” he added. Commenting on the results of the elections, he said good governance was the duty of the elected government. “They [elected government] must give us good governance.”/end