As Pakistan prepares for the 2024 general elections on February 8, a notable milestone has been achieved with a record 28,626 nomination papers filed, surpassing the figures from previous elections. The increase in participation is particularly encouraging for women representation in Pakistani politics, with 11% of the nominations being women candidates.
The distribution of nomination papers across the country reveals Punjab as the main electoral battleground, accounting for 48.3% of the submissions, followed by Sindh (22.7%), Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (18.4%), Balochistan (9.3%), and Islamabad (1.3%).
In terms of gender breakdown, a total of 7,713 nomination papers were submitted for the National Assembly, with 7,242 from male candidates and 471 from female candidates. For the provincial assemblies, 18,546 papers were filed, with 17,744 from male candidates and 802 from female candidates.
While the numbers indicate progress in women’s participation, there remains a noticeable gender disparity, with women constituting only 6.10% of National Assembly candidates and 4.32% in the provincial assemblies.
Financially, the electoral race garnered significant funds, with a total of Rs 6.5 billion deposited by candidates for general and reserved seats. The Election Commission’s fee structure remained in place, with National Assembly candidates contributing Rs 2.3 billion, provincial assembly candidates adding Rs 3,79,20,000, women contenders depositing Rs 1,37,70,000, and minority candidates collectively submitting Rs 1,23,60,000.
In addition to the nomination process, the Election Commission released a list of 175 political parties, and clear campaign guidelines have been established. The campaign rules emphasize the importance of a clean and respectful campaign, restricting the size and content of posters and banners and prohibiting religious content, hoarding, and wall chalking.
As Pakistan’s political landscape gears up for the upcoming elections, the diverse pool of candidates, including seasoned veterans and newcomers, sets the stage for a dynamic and competitive electoral contest.
