LAHORE – The Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N) emerged victorious in by-polls held on 21 constituencies across the country on Sunday.
So far, the ruling party clinched nine seats including two national assembly and seven provincial assembly seats.
Polling took place from 8am to 5pm without interruption in Lahore, Kasur, Sheikhupura, DI Khan, Bajaur, and other regions.
Elections were initially set for 23 constituencies, but results for one provincial and one national seat have already been declared.
Voting for by-elections in 21 constituencies across the country started on Sunday morning amid tight security measures.
Elections are being held in parts of country to fill 5 National and 16 provincial Assembly seats in Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Balochistan amid suspension of internet and mobile phone service and tight security.
Rangers and army officials were deployed in some sensitive constituencies to maintain law, order situation.
This includes 5 National Assembly seats, 12 Punjab Assembly seats, two Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Assembly seats, and two Balochistan Assembly seats.
Repolling in PB 50 Kalla Abdullah was also held. Polling for NA-8 Bajaur and PK-22 Bajaur was delayed due to the assassination of a candidate, while NA-44 Dera Ismail Khan will see polling as the seat was relinquished by Ali Amin Gandapur.
Maryam Nawaz Sharif vacated her NA-119 seat in Lahore, opting to retain PP-159. Shehbaz Sharif left NA-132 Kasur and Lahore’s PP-158 and PP-164 seats vacant, keeping NA-123 Lahore. Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari retained NA-194 Larkana, leaving NA-196 vacant.
Election Commision provided 6.23 million ballot papers for the by-elections. Approximately 2.55 million and 3.61 million individuals are expected to vote for the National and provincial assembly seats respectively.
In Punjab, 174 candidates are contesting, with 4.04 million voters. In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 49 candidates are contesting, with 1.47 million voters. In Sindh’s NA-196, two candidates will compete with 423,781 voters. In Balochistan, 396,246 voters will participate. Nine candidates are vying for NA-119, 11 for PP-147, 14 for PP-149, 22 for PP-158, and 20 for PP-164.
