The Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) elections for the 2024-26 term concluded with a sweeping victory for the Businessmen Group (BMG). The first round of polling for the Managing Committee (MC) took place on Saturday, where BMG secured all 30 available seats. A total of 92,954 votes were cast in favor of BMG, while the rival Businessmen Alliance (BMA) managed to secure 21,613 votes. The election saw a voter turnout of 24.38%, with 4,111 ballots cast out of 16,863 registered voters.
Polling commenced at 9 a.m. and continued until 6 p.m. Despite minor objections raised by some candidates, the process remained peaceful. Lawyers, journalists, and civil society representatives visiting the chamber commended the smooth conduct of the election. Many congratulated the KCCI Election Commission for ensuring transparency and a calm atmosphere throughout the day.
Key Election Results
BMG’s dominance was evident in the results, securing 3,146 panel votes compared to BMA’s 794. The remaining votes were mixed. At the end of the first round, Jawed Bilwani was elected as the President of KCCI, while Zia-ul-Arfeen was named Senior Vice President and Faisal Khalil Ahmed was appointed Vice President.
Second Round on September 28
The elections are not yet over, as the second round is scheduled for September 28, 2024. This phase will determine the office-bearers and see the holding of the annual general meeting, shaping the leadership that will steer the KCCI’s direction for the next two years.
Major Contesting Groups
The Businessmen Group (BMG), led by Zubair Motiwala, and the Businessmen Alliance (BMA), headed by Asif Sakhi, were the two key competitors. Both groups are prominent in the business community, and their rivalry generated significant interest in this year’s elections.
Polling Environment
The elections were conducted in a peaceful environment, with no major incidents reported. Observers and visitors praised the KCCI Election Commission for their role in ensuring a transparent and fair process, defying concerns of disruptions. The smooth election process has raised hopes for a smooth transition of leadership, as the business community eagerly awaits the outcome of the second round.
As the KCCI continues to represent the interests of Karachi’s business community, the newly elected members will face the responsibility of addressing key challenges facing businesses in the city. Their leadership will have a substantial impact on the local economy, making these elections critical for the chamber’s future.
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