LAHORE: Pakistan is going to general elections on Thursday to elect the new government as all major political parties and independent candidates are trying their best to convince the voters to elect them for next term. All eye on political battles in the southern Punjab as well the country’s most populous province, with the winner in the region playing a key role in the formation of the government at Islamabad and Lahore.
Historically, the 93 provincial assembly and 46 national seats in South Punjab represent around 32 percent of Punjab’s population and are vital in making or breaking governments in the center and province. 8, 21.89 million registered voters will take part in the polls in South Punjab.
History of Elections
In 2018, PTI won 26 National Assembly seats while PML-N won 11 seats and secured just one seat in South Punjab. PML-N won 34 seats in the 2013 elections in the region. PPP won 23 seats in South Punjab in 2008. South Punjab comprises three divisions, Dera Ghazi Khan, Multan, and Bahawalpur, and has thirteen districts. For several decades, Southern Punjab has seen fierce electoral grounds between families like the Gilanis, Qureshis, Nawanis, Khosas, Dogars, Khars , Jakhars and Legharis.
Experts and analysts said that all major political parties including PPP, PML-N, JI and PTI backed candidates are making efforts to win from the region.
The Election Commission of Pakistan had completed a crucial task by distributing 260 million ballot papers to district returning officers (DROs) in Pakistan. The commission’s staff also ensured the timely delivery of voting materials via both ground and aerial means, showing determination. Political parties and independent candidates are actively taking part in the polls that to be held on February 8 in Pakistan.
