Violence mars Pakistan's elections
(AP)
Updated: 2005-08-26 09:47

Clashes between supporters of rival candidates left at least 19 people dead and 100 injured as voters went to polls Thursday in the second phase of municipal elections, officials said, AP reported.

The violence erupted despite the deployment of thousands of soldiers, paramilitary troops and a large number of police at polling stations. In the first phase of the elections on Aug. 18, 22 people were killed and more than 200 injured.

On Thursday, 12 deaths were reported in the eastern Punjab province, said police spokesman Malik Munir.

Pakistani doctor and para-medics provide medical help to a voter Mohammad Afzal, who was injured by firing during the municipal elections, at a local hospital, Thursday, Aug. 25, 2005 in Lahore, Pakistan. [AP]

Five deaths were reported in southern Sindh province, one in northwestern Pakistan, and one in the southwest, said an interior ministry official who spoke on condition of anonymity in accordance with official policy.

Voting was held in 54 districts of Pakistan under tight security, said Kanwar Mohammed Dilshad, a senior election official.

Elections to choose councilors and mayors are held every four years in the predominantly Islamic nation, where municipal officials look after the welfare of communities, including supervision of schools, clinics and roads.

Under election laws, no political or religious groups is allowed to field candidates. However, many running for municipal office have behind-the-scenes backing from the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Q party or opposition groups.

Opposition politicians have alleged that last week's voting was rigged. Analysts said the government had not taken steps to ensure independent observers were at polling stations.

Close

Japanese PM launches general election campaign Katrina slams US Gulf Coast, oil rigs adrift Japan's 6 parties square off in TV debate

Today's Top News     Top World News
President Hu Jintao: Gender equality crucial         Special grants offered to poor students         EU takes steps to unblock China textiles         Farmers sue county for illegal land use         Search for 123 trapped miners suspended         Hurricane Katrina rocks New Orleans	Bush promises post-storm help for victims       Sharon: Not all settlements in final deal       Hurricane Katrina rocks New Orleans       Sri Lanka PM focuses on ending civil war       Musharraf warns Pakistan Islamic schools       Katrina may cost insurers $25 bln