The Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN) recently released a comprehensive report shedding light on the dynamics surrounding the by-elections held in Pakistan. The report delves into various aspects of the electoral process, including voter turnout, rejected votes, and irregularities observed during the by-elections.
According to the FAFEN report, the voter turnout during the by-elections remained consistent with the February 8 general election, standing at 36 percent. However, there was a notable decrease in female turnout by 12 percent and male turnout by 9 percent. This trend raises concerns about gender parity and the need for targeted efforts to encourage women’s participation in the electoral process.
Significantly, the report highlights regional variations in voter turnout. While Lahore experienced a significant decrease in voter turnout, areas such as Gujarat, Khuzdar, and Qila Abdullah witnessed an increase in voter participation. These regional disparities underscore the diverse socio-political landscapes across Pakistan and the varying factors influencing voter engagement.
Another key finding of the FAFEN report relates to the number of rejected votes. In the by-elections, a total of 35,574 votes were rejected, marking a significant decrease from the 72,472 votes rejected during the general elections. This reduction in rejected votes signals improvements in the electoral process, indicating enhanced scrutiny and adherence to procedural standards.
Furthermore, the report highlights changes in constituency dynamics, particularly regarding the retention of seats by political parties. While most constituencies maintained the status quo, PP 36 Wazirabad and PP 93 Bhakkar saw a shift in party representation. Independent candidates supported by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) secured victory in these constituencies during the general elections, whereas candidates from the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) emerged victorious in the by-elections. Despite these changes, the margin of victory in these constituencies narrowed compared to the general elections, reflecting a closely contested electoral landscape.
However, the FAFEN report also highlights instances of irregularities and transparency concerns during the by-elections. Cases of irregularities in result transparency and ballot paper issuance were observed, raising questions about the integrity of the electoral process. Additionally, restrictions on independent observation were reported in constituencies such as PP 22 Chakwal and PP 36 Wazirabad, where FAFEN observers were impeded from overseeing the election process by security officials or presiding officers at polling stations.
Moreover, the report notes instances of uncontested victories in constituencies such as NA 207 Shaheed Benazirabad and PS 80 Dadu, where candidates were elected unopposed. To address this issue and uphold the principle of equal opportunity, the report suggests reviewing provisions related to candidate withdrawals and resignations to discourage uncontested victories and promote competitive elections.
The FAFEN report provides valuable insights into the trends and challenges observed during the recent by-elections in Pakistan. It underscores the importance of addressing gender disparities in voter turnout, enhancing transparency in the electoral process, and promoting competitive elections to strengthen democratic governance in the country.
