The casting of votes continues for by-polls in NA-55, for which around 22 candidates are in the run, however the main competition is between Sheikh Rashid and PML-Ns Shakil Awan, report said on Wednesday. The polling would continue till 5pm. The first vote was cast by PPPs Malik Riasat at Cantt Federal Junior School. Around 250 polling stations have been established for some 0.3million with over 600 polling booths. The Punjab government has announced a local holiday in connection with the by-elections. More than 5,000 police personnel have been deployed to ensure foolproof security to the candidates and voters during the polling.