FAFEN flags low turnout, campaign violations in November 23 by-polls

ISLAMABAD (Web Desk) – FAFEN has released its report on the November 23 by-elections, noting that the polls were generally well-organised, with observers finding the voting process orderly and peaceful at polling booths.

According to the report, persistent violations of campaign rules, gaps in result transparency and an alarmingly low voter turnout were among the major concerns. FAFEN stated that weak enforcement of campaign restrictions remained a recurring issue.

Observers recorded at least 465 political party camps near 238 observed polling stations, while voter transport facilities were noted at 184 stations.

The report highlighted that 98% of observed booths had all four required seals on ballot boxes intact, and 96% had secrecy screens properly installed. Assistant presiding officers were found to be following correct procedures for issuing ballot papers.

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It added that the PML-N dominated the by-elections, winning all six National Assembly seats and six out of seven Punjab Assembly seats.

FAFEN noted that at 29% of booths, presiding officers had pre-signed ballot papers, while 28% of booths had pre-stamped ballots. Although not illegal, FAFEN said these practices increase the risk of ballot misuse.

At six observed stations, presiding officers did not provide Form-45 to polling agents; 19% of stations did not display Form-45 outside; and another 19% did not provide Form-46 to agents. At 43% of observed stations, presiding officers did not obtain signatures of polling agents on election forms.

The report recorded overall turnout for both men and women at a low 23%, with only one constituency crossing the 50% turnout mark.

FAFEN said 97% of polling agents expressed satisfaction with the polling process, and all 137 interviewed after counting reported satisfaction with the counting process.