The Pakistan People's Party (PPP) has emerged victorious in the by-election for the National Assembly seat of NA-171 in Rahim Yar Khan.
According to the official results from all polling stations, PPP candidate Makhdoom Tahir Rashiduddin secured 116,429 votes, defeating Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) candidate Hassaan Mustafa, who received 58,251 votes. The election was contested by seven candidates, but the race mainly centred on the competition between the PPP and PTI.
The constituency, which has 526,973 registered voters, saw voting take place at 301 polling stations set up for the by-election. Out of these, 88 polling stations were meant for male voters, 88 for female voters, and 125 combined stations. Moreover, 62 polling stations were declared sensitive, and special arrangements, including CCTV cameras, have been made to ensure the election is conducted peacefully.
This win is seen as a significant boost for the PPP in the region, where political rivalry with PTI has been intense in recent years.
Party workers and supporters of the PPP celebrated the victory across the constituency, as Makhdoom Tahir Rashid expressed gratitude for the public's confidence in his leadership.
Also Read: NA-171 Rahim Yar Khan by-election: Polling begins under tight security
Incidents of violation of election code of conduct were also reported in the constituency, as videos of people casting their votes started being shared on social media. A voter shared his video of a stamped ballot paper in a polling booth as well as while casting his ballot.
Some voters even took pictures inside the polling booth with their mobile phones, while the administration said taking phones inside polling stations is banned.
Moreover, the administration even got a political party's camp removed that had been set up within 100 metres of polling station 241. Police said putting up camps is not allowed within 100 meters of polling stations. It asked the PTI to move its camp to another location.
The by-election was held after the seat fell vacant due to the death of PTI MNA Mumtaz Mustafa back in August.
To maintain law and order, Section 144 was enforced in the constituency, prohibiting large gatherings and processions. Additionally, 2,700 police officers and personnel were deployed for security, ensuring a peaceful election process.
