The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) celebrated a significant victory as their candidate, Zulfiqar Bhandar, was declared the winner in the National Assembly Constituency NA-79 Gujranwala after a vote recount. The recount was ordered by the Supreme Court following a contested result in the general elections, where Bhandar had originally lost to PTI-backed candidate Ehsan Vark.
Recount Details and Outcome
The recount process was conducted under the supervision of Returning Officer Shabbir Hussain Butt at the Quaid-e-Azam Divisional Public School in Gujranwala. After a thorough review of the ballots, it was announced that Zulfiqar Bhandar had secured a total of 95,604 votes, surpassing Ehsan Vark, who received 92,581 votes. The final margin of victory was 3,023 votes in favor of Bhandar.
This outcome marked a significant shift from the initial general election results, where Ehsan Vark was declared the winner with 140,230 votes, while Zulfiqar Bhandar had received 99,635 votes. The difference of 4,388 votes in the original count had led to Bhandar requesting a recount, which was subsequently granted by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on the orders of the Supreme Court.
Background of the Dispute
The initial results of the NA-79 constituency were hotly contested by the PML-N, with Zulfiqar Bhandar and his supporters alleging discrepancies in the vote counting process. The margin of 4,388 votes between the independent candidate Ehsan Vark and Bhandar was small enough to prompt concerns about the accuracy of the count.
Given the narrow margin and the importance of the seat, Zulfiqar Bhandar filed a petition requesting a recount of the votes. The Supreme Court, recognizing the potential issues raised by the PML-N candidate, directed the Election Commission to carry out a recount to ensure the transparency and fairness of the electoral process.
Recount Process and Security Measures
The recount was a significant event in Gujranwala, drawing considerable attention from both political supporters and the general public. The recount took place at the Quaid-e-Azam Divisional Public School, with stringent security measures in place to ensure the process was conducted smoothly and without interference.
Supporters of both Zulfiqar Bhandar and Ehsan Vark gathered outside the school, anxiously awaiting the results. The atmosphere was tense, with both sides hoping for a favorable outcome. To prevent any untoward incidents, the authorities had made special arrangements, including the deployment of additional security personnel.
Celebrations and Political Implications
Upon the announcement of the recount results, PML-N supporters erupted in celebration. The victory of Zulfiqar Bhandar was marked by fireworks and jubilant gatherings across Gujranwala. This win is seen as a significant boost for the PML-N, especially in a constituency where they had initially lost by a considerable margin.
The successful recount not only underscores the importance of electoral integrity but also highlights the role of the judiciary in ensuring fair elections. For the PML-N, this victory strengthens their position in the region and adds to their momentum as they continue to challenge PTI’s influence in Punjab.
Reaction from PTI
On the other side, the supporters of Ehsan Vark and the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) expressed their disappointment with the recount outcome. While there were no immediate statements from Vark or senior PTI leaders, the loss in NA-79 will likely prompt discussions within the party about their electoral strategies and the effectiveness of their campaign in the constituency.
The recount in NA-79 Gujranwala has reaffirmed the democratic process and the importance of ensuring that every vote is counted accurately. Zulfiqar Bhandar’s victory is not just a win for him personally but also a significant achievement for the PML-N in what was initially a tough contest. As the political landscape in Pakistan continues to evolve, this result will be remembered as a key moment in the ongoing battle for influence between the PML-N and PTI.
