ISLAMABAD: A report released by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has revealed the nosedive popularity of the 13-party government coalition alliance since it came to power in April by overthrowing Imran Khan-led PTI government.
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The ECP released a detailed report on by-elections held across the country after the success of no-trust move on April 9 and subsequent formation of the current government.
The data shows that compared to the alliance of 13 parties, PTI’s popularity has steadily increased since the end of its government.
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According to ECP data, election on a total of 36 seats of the National and Provincial assemblies took place after the formation of current Shehbaz-led government. Out of these 36 seats, PTI contested on 35 and won 27 seats with a success ratio of 75%.
This doesn’t stop here, Looking at the votes’ count, PTI secured 18 lakh 59 thousand 322 votes in constituencies where it had a solo flight. On the other hand, the 13 parties coalition could secure 15 lakh 98 thousand 391 votes in 36 constituencies.
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In the meantime, by elections were held in 12 NA seats. PTI contested at 11 seats and won 9, while 2 seats were secured by PPP and the one was won by MQM where PTI hadn’t even fielded its candidate. It is noteworthy that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s ruling party PMLN could not win a single seat in the National Assembly by elections.
PTI remained successful in by-elections held for 23 seats of Punjab Assembly and one seat of KP Assembly, and 17 PTI candidates won in Punjab while 5 seats were secured by PMLN. One seat was secured by an Independent candidate. The only seat in KP was also won by PTI.
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The most interesting aspect of the entire episode ranging from April this year till to date is that the 13- parties alliance fielded their joint candidate PTI in all of these by elections. Reports suggest that the massive victories by PTI against all odds has been giving sleepless nights to the ruling coalition.
