Pakistan set for 3-way polls

Islamabad: A three-way contest between the Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz), the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) and the Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaf (PTI) is expected as Pakistan holds general election on Wednesday amid pre-poll rigging allegations.

Various nationwide surveys carried out by resea-rch organisations and publications reveal that ‘no single party will win a majority in the July 25 elections’.

Electioneering by political parties concluded on Monday night. Political leaders and contesting candidates made last ditch efforts through public gatherings, corner meetings and rallies to garner maximum public support.

Over 12,570 candidates are in the run for National Assembly and four provincial assemblies. According to the electoral rolls, 105.96 million voters are eligible to cast the vote.

In all, 85,307 polling stations have been set up across the country.  As many as 450,000 policemen and 300,000 army troops will be deployed on the polling day.

In order to gain a majority, a party needs 137 of the 272 elected National Assembly seats. Moreover, 70 seats for women and minorities are awarded proportionally based on the voting percentages.

According to the surveys there is a neck-to-neck competition between Imran Khan led PTI and the PML-N in Punjab.

A survey by Pulse Consultants shows that PTI is ahead by 30 per cent. Similarly, Herald magazine survey indicated PTI ahead by 29 per cent and PMl-N at 25 per cent. These surveys reflect that the PPP led by Bilawal Bhutto may not secure many seats in Punjab. Pulse Consultant survey shows PPP at 17 per cent whereas the other political parties ahead by 26 per cent; whereas, the Herald Magazine survey shows other parties ahead of PPP by 26 per cent and 20 per cent, respectively.

Gallup Pakistan survey indicated ‘other’ political parties top the survey with 33 per cent, PML-N with 26 per cent, PTI with 25 per cent and PPP at the bottom with 16 per cent.