ISLAMABAD, Pakistan, (BBC)-Elections are being held on Thursday for the last phase in the Pakistani Government's programme to bring in what it has called grass roots democracy.The election commissioner said all arrangements were in place for free and fair polls for the heads and deputy heads of district councils.
The new system, which will replace the old colonial method of administration is due to be implemented by 14 August - Pakistan's Independence Day.

Soon after taking over in a coup in October 1999, General Musharraf said he wanted to introduce genuine democracy through devolution of power.He started at the bottom, with staggered polls for local councils.
Now, more than 100,000 councillors will have the chance to vote for their candidates to hold the powerful position of leader of a district council.
The exact role of the heads of the district councils has not been spelt out yet, but they are expected to have some tax raising powers and control over the local police.
Colonial system
The councils will replace the system brought in by the British colonial rulers where a deputy commissioner ran the local administration and the judiciary with little accountability.
The candidates are not supposed to have any political affiliations.
However, it is clear that most of those running for the top-rung positions come from well-established political families or are backed by parties.
Many of these parties have formed alliances.
Success in these elections is being seen as a good launching pad for general elections, which General Musharraf has pledged to hold by October next year.
The government has said the new system will be in place by mid-August, but this could be delayed.
PHOTO CAPTION:
Pakistan's military ruler General Pervez Musharraf speaks during a news conference in Islamabad July 20, 2001.