With the clock ticking down to the much-anticipated by-election in Balochistan’s provincial constituency PP-52, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has officially closed the window for political campaigning. All political parties and candidates have been directed to cease electioneering activities ahead of polling day on Saturday, June 1, 2025.
According to the ECP, under Section 182 of the Elections Act 2017, the election campaign for PP-52 ended precisely at 12:00 midnight on May 30, 2025. The provision strictly prohibits any form of public political activity after the cutoff, aiming to provide a peaceful environment for voters to make independent decisions without last-minute influence or pressure.
What the Law Says
Section 182 of the Elections Act clearly states that no individual or political party is allowed to:
- Hold or participate in rallies or public processions
- Organize corner meetings or any similar political event
- Distribute or display any promotional materials, such as banners, posters, or advertisements
- Air political advertisements—whether for or against a party or candidate—on electronic or print media
Violators of this rule can face legal action, fines, or disqualification, depending on the severity and intent behind the breach.
A Crucial Contest in Balochistan
The by-election in PP-52 holds significant importance for Balochistan’s political landscape, especially amid growing political polarization and shifting alliances. The seat became vacant due to unforeseen circumstances, and several parties are vying to secure a stronghold in this key constituency.
Observers and analysts are closely monitoring the situation, as the outcome may influence the provincial balance of power. The constituency has historically seen close contests and voter turnout will be a decisive factor in shaping the result.
Final Campaign Push Ends
Political parties and independent candidates have spent the last few weeks in intense door-to-door canvassing, rallies, and public speeches to win over voters. As the campaign deadline approached, activity reached a fever pitch, with political leaders visiting the constituency to boost support for their nominees.
But with the official campaign period now closed, the ECP is urging all stakeholders to respect the electoral code of conduct and avoid any last-minute campaigning that could jeopardize the fairness of the election process.
Monitoring and Enforcement
The Election Commission has deployed monitoring teams across the PP-52 constituency to ensure strict compliance with the law. These teams will be on high alert for any violations related to political gatherings, unauthorized advertising, or undue influence.
In addition to ground teams, media monitoring cells are active to track any political content aired or published in violation of the rules. The ECP has warned that it will take swift action against any party or candidate found engaging in unlawful campaign activity.
Public Awareness and Voter Confidence
To maintain transparency and public trust, the ECP has also launched voter awareness drives in the area. Local authorities are working with civil society groups and media outlets to inform citizens about:
- Polling times and locations
- Voting procedures
- Voter rights and responsibilities
The ECP aims to ensure that the election is conducted in a peaceful, transparent, and impartial manner, providing all eligible voters with a fair opportunity to cast their ballots without fear or confusion.
What Happens Next?
Polling will begin at 8:00 AM on Saturday, June 1, and continue uninterrupted until 5:00 PM. The ECP has assured that all security arrangements are in place, and polling stations will follow standard operating procedures for orderly conduct.
Once polling concludes, vote counting will begin immediately at the polling stations, and initial results are expected to be released by the evening. Final certified results will be announced after the consolidation of votes.
A Call for Peace and Responsibility
As Balochistan prepares for an important democratic exercise, the ECP has called upon all political parties, candidates, and citizens to respect the law, maintain peace, and allow the electoral process to unfold without interference. This by-election is not just a test of political strength but also a test of democratic maturity and civic responsibility.
