Punjab by-elections: Make-or-break contest between PML-N and PTI

Polling for by-elections in 20 constituencies of Punjab started on Sunday. This is make-or-break contest between PML-N and PTI.

The by-elections are being held after the ECP de-seated a number of rebel PTI provincial lawmakers for voting against the party line.

The results of the by-polls on July 17, and subsequent re-election for the Punjab chief minister on July 22, will hopefully settle the political confusion that has affected governance in Pakistan’s most populous province.

The Election Commission of Pakistan took notice of the fight in Lahore’s PP-158 and ordered the district returning officer to review the situation in the constituency and contact security officials.

A scuffle took place between PTI and PML-N workers in Lahore’s PP-158 constituency. The injured PML-N worker has accused Cheema of involvement in inciting violence. The police have decided to arrest PTI leader Jamshed Iqbal Cheema.

Polling is going on for the by-elections in 20 constituencies of Punjab.

The voting process started at 8 am will continue till 5 pm without any break.

With 175 candidates competing in 20 provincial constituencies, today’s by-elections are also a test of the popularity of PML-N and Tehreek-e-Insaaf.

The Punjab election will be decided today, PML-N needs 9 more seats to retain Hamza Shehbaz’s Chief Ministership, while PTI wants 13 more seats.