Pakistan, the world’s fifth-largest democracy, is abuzz with anticipation as citizens head to the polls to elect their representatives for the next five years. This crucial election marks a significant moment in the country’s history, with a multitude of political parties vying for power.
Election Day: On February 8, 2024, millions of Pakistanis exercised their right to vote in what has been the most expensive polling exercise since the nation’s inception.
Contesting Parties: Various political entities are in the fray:
- Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N): The party led by former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.
- Pakistan People’s Party (PPP): A prominent party with a rich political legacy.
- Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P): Representing urban constituencies.
- Jamaat-e-Islami (JI): An Islamic political party.
- Jamiat-e-Ulema-e-Islam Fazl (JUI-F): A religious party.
- Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP): Known for its religious conservatism.
- Numerous independent candidates, some backed by the ruling party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).
National Assembly (NA) Seats: A total of 266 general seats in the National Assembly are up for grabs. Let’s take a look at some early results:
NA-57:
- Sheharyar Riaz (Independent): 105 votes
- Muhammad Hanif Abbasi (PML-N): 78 votes
- NA-58:
- Seemabia Tahir (Independent): 5,750 votes
- Danyal Chaudhary (PML-N): 1,810 votes