Rawalpindi: In the 2024 general elections, the Member of the National Assembly (MNA) from NA-57 Rawalpindi-VI was elected with only 19 percent of the registered voter support, according to the Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN). The winning candidate secured 83,333 votes, representing 46 percent of the 182,430 ballots cast. However, this figure was just a fraction of the 431,511 registered voters in the constituency.
The Final Consolidated Result (Form-49) revealed a voter turnout of 42 percent. Despite the victory, 53 percent of the voters who participated in the election chose other candidates, reflecting a lack of majority support for the winner.
The runner-up in the election garnered 31 percent of the votes, while the third-place candidate obtained five percent. The remaining candidates collectively received 17 percent of the votes. Additionally, 3,122 ballots, accounting for two percent of the total, were declared invalid.
FAFEN’s analysis of the constituency highlights concerns about the representativeness of electoral outcomes in Pakistan. The series examines how the First-Past-The-Post (FPTP) system may distort representation in multi-candidate contests, where a significant portion of the electorate may feel unrepresented. This situation raises questions about the legitimacy of the electoral process and its potential impact on political stability.
Stay informed with FAFEN’s ongoing analysis to explore the electoral dynamics in your area.