Elections 2024: 35% independents dominate in NA constituencies

ISLAMABAD: As the country prepares to vote in the general election scheduled for February 8, the Hum Investigation Team (HIT) found independent candidates make up almost 35 per cent of all political candidates vying for National Assembly seats.

The remaining 65 per cent (1,873 candidates) are affiliated  with various political parties. 3,248 candidates in total are contesting elections for a seat in the National Assembly from 266 constituencies.

The data of all 3,248 candidates reflects a diverse political landscape, with two dozen political parties collectively offering party ticket to political candidates from diverse backgrounds.

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Among the political parties, the Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) and Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) stand out with 232 and 223 candidates respectively across the country. The Pakistan Peoples’ Party (PPP) follows closely with 219 candidates, while the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has issued tickets for 212 National Assembly constituencies.

Other prominent parties including Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Pakistan-Fazl (JUI-F), Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P), the Awami National Party (ANP), and Balochistan National Party (Mengal) offered diverse political candidates, as well.

In terms of regional representation, JI leads in several provinces. However in Punjab, the TLP is in the lead with 93 candidates, closely followed by JUI-F with 90. In Balochistan, both JUI-F and PML-N contributed 15 candidates each.

Meanwhile In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), JI took the lead with 44 candidates, while JUI-F gave party tickets to 43 candidates. In Sindh, JI boasts 55 candidates, while the TLP closely has 54 candidates representing the party.

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) is represented by 246 independent candidates.

In the upcoming general election, a significant number of independent candidates are challenging the traditional dominance of political parties. The new emerging trend signifies an evolving change of Pakistan’s political scene, reflecting diverse voices and choices in the democratic process.