By-Election Transparency
Senator and Prime Minister’s Adviser Rana Sanaullah defended the PP-116 by-election, saying officials conducted it fully transparently. He told reporters, If even a single vote proves fraudulent, I will resign immediately.
He stressed that his statement directly addresses opposition claims about irregularities. By pledging resignation over just one disputed vote, Sanaullah signaled his confidence in the election process.
Understanding Voter Turnout
Sanaullah explained that low turnout is normal in by-elections. General elections usually see around 50 percent voter participation. However, by-elections often attract only 25 to 30 percent, he said.
Moreover, he noted that voters cast roughly 50,000 ballots in PP-116. Expecting significantly higher turnout would be unrealistic, he added. He also claimed that around 15,000 of the 48,000 votes had previously supported Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). Consequently, he argued, the results reflect normal voter patterns rather than manipulation, similar to other recent by-elections where PML-N strengthened its position in Punjab.
Criticism of Opposition Tactics
Sanaullah criticized opposition parties for pressuring the government from Islamabad. When have we ever told anyone to attack Islamabad or repeat events like May 9? he asked, referring to past violent clashes.
He further warned that failing to punish offenders encourages people to commit attacks freely. Therefore, he stressed, authorities must hold culprits accountable to maintain law and order. His remarks come amid ongoing tension between the ruling party and PTI, which continues organizing rallies and protests in Punjab.
Punjab Government Performance
Sanaullah also praised the Punjab Chief Minister’s performance. He said that the public has given largely positive feedback about the provincial government.
He emphasized that his support for PTI only extended to voting. I have never joined rallies or violent politics, he added. Moreover, he pointed out that PTI protests often drew fewer than 150 participants, indicating limited public engagement.
Electoral Challenges Ahead
Looking ahead to the 2024 general elections, Sanaullah noted that low voter turnout in some constituencies created challenges for the government. Therefore, he suggested that political parties encourage higher public participation to strengthen democracy.
Context: By-Elections in Pakistan
By-elections occur to fill vacant National or Provincial Assembly seats. According to the Election Commission of Pakistan, turnout in such polls typically ranges from 25 to 35 percent. Hence, Sanaullah’s remarks on voter participation match official figures.
Moreover, Pakistan’s political climate remains highly polarized. PTI often challenges the ruling party over governance, accountability, and election fairness. For example, the May 9 incidents showed how protests can quickly turn violent. Therefore, ensuring transparent elections has become crucial.
Rana Sanaullah’s pledge to resign if even one vote proves invalid highlights the high stakes in Pakistan’s political arena. As parties prepare for the 2024 general elections, both the ruling party and the opposition monitor electoral credibility closely.
