Numbers: Does Hamza have a chance to be CM Punjab?

The result of the Punjab by-elections has come as a shock for Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and its supporters while it has proved to be a ray of light for Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) future in upcoming elections.

According to the results (as of now), PML-N managed to win only four seats in its popular province. PTI swept the by-elections by bagging almost 75 per cent of Punjab constituencies (15 seats) and one independent candidate won the seat.

It is pertinent to mention that before the by-polls, PTI and Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q) jointly had the strength of 173 members. Now, with 15 additional seats, the parties have achieved 188 seats in Punjab Assembly (PA) whereas they only needed 186. One independent MPA who has won is likely to be a part of the new ruling coalition.

On the contrary, the current ruling coalition (PML-N, PPP and others) has 179 members.

Two MPAs of PML-N including Mian Jaleel Sharaqpuri and Faisal Niazi had resigned so their seats are vacant. MPA Chaudhry Nisar is unlikely to vote for any of the candidates

Great voter turnout

In this election, a great voter turnout has been noted.

In Sahiwal, the voter turnout was almost 56 per cent. While in Khushab, the turnout was 47.84 per cent.

In PP-83 Khushab, voter turnout was 47.84%.

PTI won by a margin of over 15,000 votes.

— Benazir Shah (@Benazir_Shah) July 17, 2022

In the constituency of Multan, the turnout remained at 42 per cent where former Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi’s son Zain Hussain Qureshi won.

The voter turnout in PP-167 Lahore was 33.56%, as per Form 47.

— Benazir Shah (@Benazir_Shah) July 17, 2022

In the largest city of Punjab, the lowest turnout was recorded while the highest turnout was in Bakkhar where PTI’s Irfan Ullah Niazi won.

Voters turnout in almost all the constituencies remained over 40% and 50%, with the highest in Bhakkar with over 65% and lowest in constituencies of Lahore. #ByElection2022

— Benazir Shah (@Benazir_Shah) July 18, 2022