LAHORE: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has announced a significant uptick in the number of registered voters in Punjab province, highlighting a jump of over 11.6 million new voters compared to 2018. This rise marks a 16.3% increase in voter participation, potentially shaping the upcoming 2024 general elections.
The data reveals a notable increase in female voter registration, with over 6.5 million women added to the rolls since 2018. This represents a growth of 18.3%, suggesting a potential shift in political engagement among women in Punjab. Male voter registration also saw an increase of 5.04 million, but at a slower pace of 13%.
With 6.72 million registered voters, Lahore district boasts the highest number in Punjab. Murree, on the other hand, holds the distinction of having the lowest, with just under 291,000 registered voters.
The ECP spokesperson reiterated that the upcoming general elections on February 8, 2024, will solely be conducted based on the current voter lists. This emphasizes the importance of ensuring accuracy and completeness of the rolls before the critical polls.
The substantial increase in voter registration, particularly among women, injects a dynamic element into the upcoming elections. This surge in participation could potentially alter voting patterns and influence the political landscape in Punjab, making the 2024 polls one of the most anticipated in recent years.
