Lahore(The COW News Digital)Punjab witnessed one of the lowest voter turnouts in its electoral history during the recent by-elections, a development that has triggered sharp political debate and raised questions about public confidence in the democratic process. Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan said the unprecedentedly low turnout reflects the people’s growing distrust in the credibility of elections held under current conditions.
In an exclusive conversation with Geo News, Barrister Gohar asserted that holding transparent elections is the fundamental responsibility of the Election Commission of Pakistan. He maintained that PTI has always stood for democratic principles and public empowerment, adding that the party’s own data indicates it was leading in Punjab under fair circumstances.
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He described the results of the by-polls as a “wake-up call” for all political actors, stating that the decline in voter participation cannot be ignored. “We believe in public politics, not in rigging allegations,” he said, emphasizing that low turnout signifies an urgent need for electoral reforms and restoration of voter confidence.
Barrister Gohar also drew a stark comparison between Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, particularly the NA-18 Haripur constituency. According to him, Haripur offered a level playing field where all political parties freely held rallies, corner meetings, and election campaigns. In contrast, he alleged that PTI faced severe restrictions in Punjab, leading the party to boycott the by-elections there. “We were not allowed to hold rallies or run proper campaigns, leaving us with no choice,” he claimed.
Regarding NA-18 Haripur, Gohar disputed the announced results, asserting that they do not match the ground realities. The constituency is witnessing a three-way contest among PTI-backed independent candidate Sehrnaz Omer Ayub, PML-N’s Babar Nawaz Khan, and PPP’s Erum Fatima. Six additional independent candidates are also part of the race, making the contest highly competitive.
Political analysts say the low turnout in Punjab could have broader implications for future elections, deepening the debate over electoral fairness and political freedoms. As major parties continue to challenge each other’s narratives, the public’s declining participation remains a critical signal of their dissatisfaction.
The by-elections have once again highlighted the pressing need for mutual political trust, transparent processes, and an environment where every party can campaign freely—essentials without which democracy cannot thrive.
