Mian Iftikhar Ahmad
The 2025 by-elections in Faisalabad’s constituencies NA-104, NA-96, PP-98, PP-115, and PP-116 are set to have a significant impact not only locally but also at the provincial and national political levels. The total number of registered voters in these five constituencies is approximately 1,944,468. Polling station organization is a crucial factor, with 3,687 polling stations established during general elections in the district, and NA-104 alone having 375 polling stations, including separate and combined male and female booths. Election campaigns and candidate strategies are being designed based on this polling station distribution to maximize voter engagement. In terms of voter demographics, NA-104 has 556,351 registered voters, with 291,580 males and 264,771 females. A similar pattern is seen in other constituencies: PP-115 has 234,724 voters (124,215 males and 110,509 females) and PP-116 has 276,687 voters (146,034 males and 130,653 females). PP-98 has 289,984 voters (156,083 males and 133,901 females), and NA-96 has 586,722 voters (314,106 males and 272,616 females). This indicates a nearly balanced voter base by gender, emphasizing the importance for candidates to engage both male and female voters to ensure maximum turnout. Regarding political candidates, NA-104 features a strong candidate from PML-N, while NA-96 also shows a popular PML-N candidate with strong local support. PP-98, PP-115, and PP-116 also have PML-N candidates with established local networks. Based on past election results and political history, PML-N appears to have a strong opportunity if it maintains an active campaign and successfully reaches women and youth voters. However, challenges such as flood and weather impacts, polling station capacity, administrative and security issues, and potential low voter turnout remain significant. The rescheduling of by-elections due to adverse conditions requires political parties to carefully plan their strategies. Election strategies must be meticulously designed, including polling station locations, security arrangements, voter education, transportation on polling day, and campaign messages tailored to local needs. Such comprehensive analysis and planning will help candidates and parties not only organize the voter base but also ensure voter confidence, making the elections transparent, effective, and result-oriented. In NA-104, PML-N’s strong candidate Barrister Raja Danial, with prior political experience, is contesting, facing local leader Rana Adnan, while Shakil Shahid, previously associated with PTI, has withdrawn. Key issues in NA-104 include electricity prices, sanitation, infrastructure, and street conditions, which are significant voter concerns. In NA-96, PML-N candidate Bilal Badr Chaudhry, brother of former minister Talal Chaudhry, is contesting against independent candidate Malik Nawab Sher Wesir. PP-98 features independent candidate Azad Ali Tabassum, who enjoys strong local support. PP-115 has PML-N candidate Mian Tahir Jamil, with potential competition from Maliki Asghar Ali. PP-116 sees PML-N candidate Rana Ahmed Shehryar Khan, a relative of central political leader Rana Sanaullah, contesting against Khaja Asad Ijaz Mana and Malik Asghar Ali Qaiser. Female voters in all constituencies are nearly equal in number to male voters, highlighting the need to include women in campaign strategies. Engaging youth voters and focusing on local development issues are key to a successful campaign. Polling station geography, security, transportation, voter education, and local outreach are critical to election preparation. Political analysis suggests that PML-N has a strong chance due to strong candidates, local networks, and weak opposition. However, careful study of the voter base and balanced campaigning are essential for success. Emphasis on female and youth participation and addressing local development issues can significantly increase the chances of victory. Independent candidates and local challengers should not be ignored, particularly those with strong local support or influence over specific voter groups. These five constituencies in Faisalabad will play a decisive role in the 2025 by-elections, and the results are expected to directly influence the future political landscape. Effective implementation of campaign strategy and voter engagement will help candidates secure victory and ensure that the election process remains transparent and result-oriented.
