ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has dispatched a total of 6.23 million ballot papers to the respective Returning Officers (ROs) designated for the forthcoming by-elections across 21 constituencies.
In anticipation of these by-elections, approximately 2.55 million Pakistani citizens are anticipated to exercise their voting rights for the five National Assembly constituencies, while another estimated 3.61 million individuals are poised to cast their votes for 16 provincial assembly seats spread throughout the country.
The printing process has yielded more than 6.23 million ballot papers, with a color-coded system in place: green for National Assembly ballots and white for provincial assembly ballots. These vital electoral materials have been delivered into the custody of the ROs, ensuring the integrity and smoothness of the electoral process.
A notable feature of these by-elections is the competitive landscape, with a total of 47 candidates contending for the five National Assembly seats, complemented by 16 Provincial Assembly constituencies eagerly eyed by aspiring representatives.
Marked on the calendar for April 21, the by-elections encompass a broad spectrum, including five National Assembly seats, 12 Punjab Assembly seats, two seats in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly, and two seats in the Balochistan Assembly.
Of particular note is the unopposed victory of the first lady, Aseefa Bhutto Zardari, securing her position for NA-207, as confirmed by an ECP official, underscoring the dynamic political landscape of these elections.
The overall candidate pool for the 21 vacant seats across both national and provincial assemblies stands at 237 aspirants, reflecting the widespread interest and participation in these electoral processes.
Looking closer at the provincial dynamics, 23 candidates are actively competing for vacant seats in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly, while a staggering 154 candidates vie for positions in Punjab. Additionally, in Sindh, Zubair Ahmed Junejo has already clinched his seat unopposed on PS-80.
Meanwhile, twelve contenders eagerly step into the arena for the coveted seats in the Balochistan Assembly, embodying the diverse and vibrant political landscape of Pakistan.
