Sindh braces for local government by-elections today (Wednesday) as voters in 14 districts will elect representatives on 28 vacant seats.

According to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), a total of 128 candidates are contesting, while 243,187 registered voters will exercise their right to vote.

The districts where polling will be held include Karachi East, Karachi West, Keamari, Ghotki, Sukkur, Khairpur, Mirpurkhas, Umerkot, Matiari, Hyderabad, Jamshoro, Dadu, Badin, and Thatta.

The vacant positions comprise two district council members, six chairmen, seven vice-chairmen, and 13 general/ward members.

To ensure smooth conduct, the ECP has appointed 14 district returning officers, 21 returning officers, and 21 assistant returning officers. In addition, 14 district monitoring officers and 21 monitoring officers will supervise the process.

Security arrangements have also been finalized, with 1,512 personnel deployed across polling stations.

A total of 167 polling stations have been set up — 17 for men, 17 for women, and 134 combined.

Out of these, 127 polling stations have been declared “highly sensitive,” 34 “sensitive,” and six “normal,” raising security concerns in certain areas.

The ECP spokesperson said all necessary measures had been taken to ensure transparency, security, and smooth conduct of the polls.