By-Elections in Pakistan (April 2024)
The 2024 Pakistani by-elections were held on 21 April 2024 to fill 21 vacant seats in National and Provincial Assemblies. The elections were characterized by extensive security measures, including the deployment of Pakistan Army and Civil Armed Forces.
Background.
The by-elections were scheduled after the 2024 Pakistani general election. These seats fell vacant due to various reasons such as candidates winning multiple seats or delay in polling due to the death of a candidate. By-elections were held on 5 seats of National Assembly, 12 seats of Punjab Assembly, two seats of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly and two seats of Balochistan Assembly.
Security measures.
The federal government approved the deployment of Pakistan Army and Civil Armed Forces personnel during the by-elections. These forces functioned as a quick response force, deployed as a second and third tier behind the police. The exact number of troops and their deployment areas were determined by the ECP in consultation with all relevant stakeholders.
About 13,800 police personnel were deployed to guard 921 polling stations. The ECP mandates security personnel, excluding the armed forces deployed in by-elections, to maintain impartiality, assist officers, ensure peace, avoid clashes, arrests or interference, report irregularities and, in particular, conduct counting. Instructed to maintain neutrality during the process.
Communication suspension.
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has announced that cellular service will be temporarily suspended in certain districts of Punjab and Balochistan on April 21 and 22 during the by-elections. The move was directed by the Ministry of Interior and aimed at ensuring the integrity and security of the electoral process.
Candidates.
PB-20 Khuzdar-III.
! scope="col" colspan="2" style="width: 130px"|Party
! scope="col" style="width: 17em"|Candidate
! scope="col" style="width: 5em"|Votes
! scope="col" style="width: 3.5em"|%
! scope="col" style="width: 3.5em"| ;templatestyles src="Template:Tooltip/styles.css" / ;±%
! colspan="3" style="text-align: right; margin-right: 0.5em" scope=row | Turnout
! colspan="3" style="text-align:right;" | Total valid votes
! colspan="3" style="text-align: right; margin-right: 0.5em" | Rejected ballots
! colspan="3" style="text-align: right; margin-right: 0.5em" | Majority
! colspan="3" style="text-align:right;" scope=row | Registered electors
PB-22 Lasbela.
! scope="col" colspan="2" style="width: 130px"|Party
! scope="col" style="width: 17em"|Candidate
! scope="col" style="width: 5em"|Votes
! scope="col" style="width: 3.5em"|%
! scope="col" style="width: 3.5em"| ;templatestyles src="Template:Tooltip/styles.css" / ;±%
! colspan="3" style="text-align: right; margin-right: 0.5em" scope=row | Turnout
! colspan="3" style="text-align:right;" | Total valid votes
! colspan="3" style="text-align: right; margin-right: 0.5em" | Rejected ballots
! colspan="3" style="text-align: right; margin-right: 0.5em" | Majority
! colspan="3" style="text-align:right;" scope=row | Registered electors
PB-50 Killa Abdullah.
! scope="col" colspan="2" style="width: 130px"|Party
! scope="col" style="width: 17em"|Candidate
! scope="col" style="width: 5em"|Votes
! scope="col" style="width: 3.5em"|%
! scope="col" style="width: 3.5em"| ;templatestyles src="Template:Tooltip/styles.css" / ;±%
! colspan="3" style="text-align: right; margin-right: 0.5em" scope=row | Turnout
! colspan="3" style="text-align:right;" | Total valid votes
! colspan="3" style="text-align: right; margin-right: 0.5em" | Rejected ballots
! colspan="3" style="text-align: right; margin-right: 0.5em" | Majority
! colspan="3" style="text-align:right;" scope=row | Registered electors
References.
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