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FAFEN Report Finds Low Turnout and Rule Breaches in Pakistan’s By-Elections as PML-N Sweeps Seats

Weak enforcement with poor results disclosure undercut otherwise orderly polling, the watchdog says.

Overview

  • The ruling PML-N won all six National Assembly seats and six of seven Punjab Assembly seats, with PPP taking PP-269 in Muzaffargarh.
  • Overall turnout was about 23% across the November 23 contests, and only one constituency surpassed 50% participation.
  • Observers noted extensive partisan activity near polling sites, including at least 465 party camps at 64% of observed stations and voter transport at 184 stations.
  • FAFEN recorded procedural lapses such as pre-signed ballot papers at 29% of booths and pre-stamped ballots at 28%.
  • Gaps in result transparency included Forms 45 and 46 not being shared or displayed at multiple stations, polling-agent signatures missing at 43% of stations, and observer access denied at two counts.