Pakistan’s electoral rolls have contracted by a record-breaking 589,458 voters between May 7 and July 2, as the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has removed an estimated one million deceased voters from the electoral database. This significant reduction in voter numbers is largely offset by fresh registrations during the period.
According to official ECP statistics analyzed by Dawn, the total number of registered voters fell from 137,163,857 on May 7 to 136,574,399 on July 2. A staggering 895,000 new voters were enrolled during this time frame, but the deletion of around 1.48 million deceased voters resulted in a net decline of 589,458 nationwide.
The reduction narrowed the gender gap among registered voters from about 941,000 to 910,000. Overall, 99 out of the country’s 144 districts recorded a decline in registered voters, while 45 districts posted a net increase.
Punjab accounted for the overwhelming share of the decline, losing 478,909 voters, with the total falling from 77,955,543 to 77,476,634. The province also saw significant declines in nine other districts: Faisalabad (41,264), Sheikhupura (31,783), Gujranwala (30,302), Sialkot (30,129), Multan (26,420), Kasur (24,367), Bahawalpur (22,259), Khanewal (19,504), and Rahim Yar Khan (18,574).
The number of voters in Gujrat dropped by 29,553 followed by Sargodha with a decline of 26,675. Similarly, the number of voters in Mardan, Hangu, Bannu also declined over 10,000 each.
In contrast, Punjab’s neighboring province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) recorded a comparatively small net decline of 9,046 voters, with the provincial total falling from 23,415,995 to 23,406,949. However, KP was one of only two provinces where more districts recorded gains than losses.
In overall terms, the province lost 9,049 voters, accounting for 1.53 per cent of the total decline. While the number of male voters slipped by 16,884, the number of female voters increased by 7,838.
The reduction in voter numbers has significant implications for Pakistan’s democratic process and electoral system. The ECP’s decision to remove deceased voters from the electoral database is a crucial step towards ensuring the integrity and accuracy of the electoral process.
Source: Dawn
Based on reporting from Dawn.
