The Balochistan provincial election commission has announced a schedule for by-elections on 81 vacant general local council (LC) seats across 20 districts of the province, with polling set for August 9.

The districts covered include Pishin/Barshore, Chagai, Zhob, Sherani, Loralai, Duki, Musa Khel, Sibi, Harnai, Kohlu, Nasirabad, Usta Mohammad, Kachhi, Jhal Magsi, Kalat, Khuzdar, Lasbela, Hub, Kech and Gwadar.

According to the schedule, returning officers will issue public notices on June 30, after which nomination papers may be submitted to the relevant returning officers from July 1 to 3. Scrutiny of nomination papers will take place from July 6 to 8, with the initial list of candidates to be published on July 9.

Appeals against the acceptance or rejection of nomination papers may be filed with the appellate authority from July 10 to 13, with a deadline of July 16 for decisions on those appeals.

A revised list of candidates will be issued on July 17, while the deadline for withdrawal from the contest is July 18.

The final list of candidates, along with the allotment of election symbols will be published on July 20.

Polling will be held on August 9.