(Web desk) – The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has released voter-turnout statistics for the recent by-elections held across the country, showing an overall turnout of 28.58 percent, significantly lower than that seen in the general elections.
According to the data, turnout varied significantly across constituencies. The highest participation was recorded in PP-269 Muzaffargarh, where turnout reached 50.82 percent, followed by NA-18 Haripur with 42.9 percent. Other constituencies with comparatively higher voter engagement included PP-98 Faisalabad (36.82%) and PP-73 Sargodha (34.45%).
In contrast, several key constituencies witnessed very low turnout. The NA-104 Faisalabad recorded the lowest at 13.23 percent, followed by NA-129 Lahore at 18.67 percent and NA-143 Sahiwal at 21.43 percent. Turnout in PP-203 Sahiwal remained subdued at 22.4 percent, while PP-116 Faisalabad stood at 22.94 percent and PP-87 Mianwali at 27 percent. Meanwhile, NA-185 saw a turnout of 32.61 percent and NA-96 Faisalabad recorded 26.46 percent.
The by-elections were held in a politically charged environment, marked prominently by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) announcing a boycott. The party protested what it described as an uneven playing field, lack of electoral transparency, and the arrests and restrictions faced by its leadership and workers following the February 2024 general elections.
PTI’s absence from the ballot significantly influenced voter enthusiasm, particularly in constituencies where the party traditionally commanded strong support. Political observers had predicted lower turnout due to the boycott, and the newly released data appears to reinforce those assessments.
The by-elections were conducted to fill seats left vacant due to resignations, disqualifications and deaths of elected members. While major political parties contested the polls, analysts note that the lack of competition in PTI-dominated areas contributed to voter apathy and reduced engagement.
