This report is issued by Coalition for Elections and Democracy (CED) for observing the counting process of by-election at PP-20 (Chakwal I). Total number of Registered voters in the constituency is 279530 including 144191 male voters and 135339 female voters. Total number of polling stations set up in the constituency is 227 with 814 polling booths, 421 for male voters and 393 for female voters. This report presents the observation of the closing and counting process of polling in the constituency.

The official closing time of the polling is 5pm. The CED teams made sure to enter the sampled polling stations before the closure of voting process. However, at the Polling Station # 24 Government Girls Elementary School Fim Kassar and at polling station # 170 Government High School Muhammad Ali Chakwal (Combined) security official didn’t allow the team to enter the polling station and observe the counting process however the presiding officer handed over copy of form XIV to the observers after the end of counting process but the presiding officer of Polling Station # 24 didn’t share the copy of result to the team waiting outside the polling station # 170.

While entering the polling stations for observation of the closing and counting process the observers also reported about the situation outside the polling stations. It was observed that there were no voters waiting outside of the polling station to vote.

The observers reported that 100 % of the sampled polling stations closed on time. The polling staff started the closing process immediately and the counting started within 10 minutes of the closing at average. The voters waiting to vote inside the polling station were allowed to vote.

The observers reported a number of discrepancies in closing process. ECP staff at 14% polling stations did not count and record the number of un-used ballot papers immediately after start of closing process, pending it till final filling of forms towards the end of the counting process. Teams of Observers reported that at 57 % of the sampled polling stations seals of the ballot boxes were damaged before opening. Observers reported from 14% polling stations that the polling staff did not cross check the number of ballots cast against the number of signatures on the counterfoil I.e. issued ballot papers. Observers reported that that at 29% of the polling stations the polling staff did not perform the crosschecks of the data for mathematical consistency. Observers reported that at 57% of the polling stations that counting process was seriously hampered by overcrowding.

CED observers reported that at 22 % of the sampled polling stations the presiding officers did not paste the result outside the polling station for the public. At 67 % of sampled polling stations the presiding officers provided copies of the result (form XIV) to the poling agents.

The observers noted that during counting process no formal complaint was lodged at polling stations. The polling staff cooperated with the CED observers during the counting process. All the observers were allowed to sit in the counting room without any restriction except for two polling station already mentioned above. The presiding officers of all the sampled polling stations answered all questions related to counting process and shared details of the vote count with observers.

About CED: CED is a civil society coalition for voter education, election observation and strengthening democratic institutions. Its secretariat is based at CPDI

This report is being issued by Coalition for Elections and Democracy (CED) after observing the voting process in PP-20 (Chakwal-I). Total number of Registered voters in the constituency is 279,530 including 144,191 male voters and 135,339 female voters. Total number of polling stations set up in the constituency is 227 with 814 polling booths, 421 for male voters and 393 for female voters.

The CED teams initiated observation of the voting process right from the opening of the polling stations. Polling staff was present at all the sampled polling stations observed during the day. The voters’ enthusiasm remained relatively low in the by-election. The observers reported that only 25% of sampled polling stations had ques outside when the CED teams approached these polling stations. The average voter turnout per booth per hour was 16.3 during the day. The observers submitted their reports of voting process until 4:55 PM so that they could enter the polling stations again for observation of the closing and counting process.

The voting process generally remained calm during the day. Observers from 14% of the sampled polling stations reported that problems were observed in the vicinity of the polling station, implying that the ECP code of conduct was not being observed at these polling stations. Of these 14% polling stations, CED observers stated 67% had party camps within 400 yards, 83% said voters being transported to the polling stations while 17% stated incidents of voter parchi distribution outside polling stations. Presence of unauthorized people outside the polling stations was also observed at 17% of these polling stations.

Presence of unauthorized persons inside 25% of sampled polling stations was also reported by the CED observers. Only at 6% of the polling stations, polling staff asked them to leave. Among these unauthorized persons present inside the polling stations 55% were office bearers of a major political party and 18% were local officials. The observers further reported that 20% of the unauthorized persons present inside the polling stations were seen interfering with the work of ECP staff. The CED observers reported that they saw some sort of campaign material inside 7% of the sampled polling stations

The CED observers stated that the layout of the voting area was adequate for conduct of polling at 86% sampled polling stations and sufficiently protected secrecy of ballot at 84% sampled polling station. Moreover, 52% of the observers stated that the layout of the voting area was suitable to voters with reduced mobility.

About transparency and facilitation of the observes at the polling stations, CED observers stated that they were initially allowed to observe polling process at all sampled polling stations but they felt restrictions towards the end of the day; 30% of them reported that undue restriction inside the polling stations.

The observers also rated the overall conduct of the polling staff; 55% of them ranked their conduct to be very good and 43% ranked it good while 2% ranked their conduct as bad.

No major law and order situation was witnessed at the sampled polling stations during the CED observation. The security situation generally remained in control of the law enforcement agencies. This tight control started affecting the observation process as closing time approached. The observers reported from various locations that the security personal asked them to leave the polling stations as soon as the polling time ends implying that they would not be able to observe counting process at these polling stations. The details of such polling stations shall be included in the third report covering the counting process.

About CED: CED is a civil society coalition for voter education, election observation and strengthening democratic institutions. Its secretariat is based at CPDI

The exit poll exercise conducted by the Coalition for Elections and Democracy (CED) in bye-elections of Provincial Assembly Constituency PP-20 indicates PMLN candidate polling more than 50% of the polled votes. The survey was conducted on a sample size of 773 voters; including 311 males, 454 females and 8 transgenders. The responses were collected from 45 sampled polling stations. Total number of polling station established in the constituency was 227.

The survey results show that PMLN candidate Haider Sultan Ali bagged 50% votes against the closest rival Raja Tariq Afzal from PTI who could get only 38% of votes. Nasir Minhas, candidate of Tehreek-e-Labbaik Ya Rasulallah, got 8% and ANP candidate Imran Qaisar is at 4th place with 3% votes. About 0.5% of the polled votes go to independent candidates.

The analysis of exit poll data shows some interesting trends. The gender breakdown of the exit poll result shows that 45% of male voters voted for PMLN as against 39% for PTI. 13% of male voters voted for TLP. PMLN seems to gain popularity among female voters as 58% females voted for PMLN as against 38% for PTI. TLP can get only 4% of the female votes.

The voting activity also has clear connection with educational qualifications of the voters. PMLN is a clear choice for 3 bottom educational groups that include illiterate, primary and matric. As the educational qualification increases, the voter base of PTI also increases. PTI enjoys majority among voters with educational qualification as Graduate, Masters and M.Phil/PhD. Interestingly, TLP vote bank although small exists in all education qualification groups.

As has been the trends in previous exit polls exercises, the voter choice also indicates a connection with the age group. 53% of young voters aged between 18 and 22 years voted for the PTI. PMLN could attract only 47% of the voters from this age group. PTI popularity reduces gradually in higher age groups. PMLN got 49% votes from age group 22-35 years as against 41% by PTI. PMLN was able to attract 53% voter from age group 36-50 years. PTI share remained 33% in this age group. PMLN biggest support came from age group above 65, where they were able to bag 66% of the polled votes as against PTI share of 24%

PMLN was also able to reverse the trends among occupational groups. The penetration among students group is striking where they were able to attract 73% of the students as against 22% by PTI. Students are normally considered as PTI largest vote bank, but the exit poll survey showed different trends. PTI largest support came from housewives. 41% of housewives voted for PTI as against 5% by PMLN

About CED: CED is a civil society coalition for voter education, election observation and strengthening democratic institutions. Its secretariat is based at CPDI

This is a preliminary report issued by Coalition for Elections and Democracy (CED) for observing the by-election at PP-20 (Chakwal I). Total number of Registered voters in the constituency is 279530 including 144191 male voters and 135339 female voters. Total number of polling stations set up in the constituency is 227 with 814 polling booths, 421 for male voters and 393 for female voters. This report presents the observation of the opening process of polling in the constituency.

The observation teams reached the designated polling stations at 7:30 am to assess the preparedness of the polling staff and to observe the opening process. At all the sampled polling stations ECP staff cooperated with the CED teams; they were allowed to enter the premises and observe the proceedings.

At the approach of the pooling stations the observers noted the environment outside the polling station. Voter enthusiasm was observed to be moderate in the morning and observers did not report long queues of voters outside the gate before opening of the voting.

Situation outside the polling station before the start of the polling was generally calm and no incident of violence was reported, the security forces were in good control of the security arrangements.

The polling staff was present on majority of the sampled polling stations at the starting time. However, at PS#196 a female polling officer and at PS#114 a male polling officer was absent when polling started. Female polling stations have been provided with female staff; however only 25% of the sampled combined polling stations had female presiding officer.

Starting time of the polling is 8 am however 34% of the sampled polling stations started late. Out of those polling stations that started late, the delay of 11-30 minutes was observed at 67% and 31-60 minutes at 33% pooling stations. Major cause of delay was unpreparedness of staff and late arrival of some staff members.

The polling station lay out at the start of the polling was found to be suitable for voting at 89% sampled polling stations while 11% reported issues of insufficient space for instance polling set up established in the corridor of the building instead of rooms.

Sufficient essential polling material i.e. ballot boxes, secrecy screens, seals, indelible ink, voters’ lists etc. was present at all the sampled polling stations at the start of the polling.

The CED observers reported that the ECP staff followed opening procedure at majority of the sampled polling stations. The empty ballot boxes were shown at all polling stations and were sealed in clear view of polling agents and observers. The polling started at all polling booths in presence of the polling agents from major political parties. The CED observers were allowed to observe the opening process without any restrictions. At 56% of sampled polling stations, observers were satisfied that opening procedure was followed completely.

The CED observers noted that the opening process generally remained calm and no untoward incident was reported at the sampled polling stations; no formal complaint was lodged during the opening process. However, the observers noted presence of unauthorized persons inside some polling stations before start of the polling. At polling stations #84 and 104 office bearers of a major political party were seen inside the premises and the polling staff did not ask them to leave, reported the CED observers.

The observers reported their satisfaction about cooperation of the PS staff. At 100% sampled polling stations the observers were allowed to observe the opening procedure without restriction. The CED observers rated conduct of the PS staff to be good at 56% and very good at 44% of the sampled polling stations.

About CED: CED is a civil society coalition for voter education, election observation and strengthening democratic institutions. Its secretariat is based at CPDI

This report is issued by Coalition for Elections and Democracy (CED) for observing the counting process at NA-4 (Peshawar IV). The total number of registered voters in the constituency was 397,904 including 235,164 male voters and 162,740 female voters; while the total number of polling stations set up in the constituency was 269 with 837 polling booths, 492 for male voters and 345 for female voters. This report presents the observation of the counting process of polling in the constituency.

The official closing time of the polling is 5pm. The CED teams made sure to enter the sampled polling stations before the closure of voting process. However at the Polling Station #235 Government Higher Secondary School Chamkani security official didn’t allow the team to enter the polling station and observe the counting process however presiding officer handed over copy of form XIV after counting closed at 6:20 pm.

While entering the polling stations for observation of counting process the observers reported about the situation outside the polling stations. They noted that situation was calm outside the polling stations except for isolated incidents of heated situation at PS #6 and 57. No large crowds of voters were waiting outside of the polling station to vote.

The observers reported that 78% of the sampled polling stations closed on time, however the remaining polling station were closed between 1-10 minutes delay due to unrest in those polling stations. The polling staff started the closing process immediately and the counting started within 10 minutes of the closing at average. The voters waiting to vote inside the polling station were allowed to vote.

The observers reported a number of discrepancies in closing process. Starting from counting the number of issued ballot papers to compilation of the results. At 11 % of the sampled polling stations the observers reported that the staff did not count the number of issued ballot papers while closing the polling. At same percent of sample polling stations the staff did not record the number of issued ballot papers in ECP forms at the time of counting. While staff at 11% polling stations did not count and record the number of un-used ballot papers immediately after start of closing process, pending it till final filling of forms towards the end of the counting process. Teams of observers reported at 3 polling stations seal of the ballot box was not properly intact when it was brought to table for counting process. Observers noted at 22% polling stations that the polling staff did not cross check the number of ballots cast against the number of signatures on the counterfoil I.e. issued ballot papers. While during the counting process at one polling station #57 the presiding officer did not show the ballot papers while declaring them invalid.

The observers reported that 38% of the presiding officers of sampled polling stations did not paste the result outside the polling station for the public. At 100% sampled polling stations the presiding officers gave copies of the result (form XIV) to the poling agents.

The observers noted that during counting process a formal complaint was lodged at polling station #57. However staff at polling station didn’t handled the complaint according to the procedures and there was unrest inside the polling station.

The polling staff cooperated with the CED observers during the counting process. All the observers were allowed to sit in the counting room without any restriction except for one polling station #235. The presiding officers of all the sampled polling stations answered all questions related to counting process and shared details of the vote count with observers.

About CED: CED is a civil society coalition for voter education, election observation and strengthening democratic institutions. Its secretariat is based at CPDI

This report has been issued by Coalition for Elections and Democracy (CED) after observing the voting process in NA-4 (Peshawar-IV). The total number of registered voters in the constituency was 397,904 including 235,164 male voters and 162,740 female voters; while the total number of polling stations set up in the constituency was 269 with 837 polling booths, 492 for male voters and 345 for female voters.

The CED teams initiated observation of the voting process right from the opening of the polling stations. All staff was present at the sampled polling stations observed during the day except at Polling Station #92 where assistant presiding officer was absent at one of the female booths. At Polling Station #43, the polling staff took a 25 minutes break for lunch and prayers. Only presiding officer was present at that time and polling was temporarily suspended.

The voting turnout remained relatively low in the by-election. The average voter turnout per booth was 18 during the first hour of the day. This average gradually improved during the day. CED calculated the average again during the last hour to compare with the initial voter turnout. Voting turned out to be 25 votes per booth during the last hour of the polling. The observers submitted their reports of voting process until 4:55 PM so that they could enter the polling stations again for observation of the closing and counting process.

The voting process generally remained calm during the day. Observers from 49% of the sampled polling stations reported that no problems were observed in the vicinity of the polling station, implying that the ECP code of conduct was not observed at the remaining 51% poling stations. At Polling Station #9, 19, 31, 57, 76, 163, 193, 231, 235 and 252, observers reported problems of voters being transported, presence of campaign material, voter parchi distribution and party camp within 400 yards of the polling station.

The presence of unauthorised people inside the polling stations was also observed. At PS# 248 and 266, local officials were also seen. However, the staff requested them to leave the premises of the polling station. The observers also saw these uninvited people were also interfering with the work of the polling station staff.

The observers reported from sampled polling stations that no party lodged a formal complaint before the presiding officers during the day. However, they reported unrest at Polling Station #7, 248 and 266.

The CED observation teams reported that presence of polling agents during the voting phase was higher than during the opening phase. The PTI deployed the highest number of polling agents covering 77% of the sampled polling booths. ANP and PMLN representatives were present at 75% while the JI had presence of its polling agents at 71% of the polling booths. Among major political parties, the PPPP had the lowest (68%) presence of polling agents at the sampled polling stations

When the CED observers asked the presiding officers (POs) if there was any essential material missing, two of them replied in the affirmative. At polling station number 54 and 147, the POs said that the ballot papers were not provided in sufficient numbers.

The security situation generally remained in control of the law enforcement agencies and no major law and order situation was witnessed at the sampled polling stations during the CED observation.

About CED: CED is a civil society coalition for voter education, election observation and strengthening democratic institutions. Its secretariat is based at CPDI

The exit poll exercise conducted by the Coalition for Elections and Democracy (CED) in National Assembly Constituency NA-4 gave a clear lead to PTI candidate Arbab Amer Ayub. The survey was conducted on a sample size of 1,742 voters; including 1,251 men and 491 women. The responses were collected from 40 sampled polling stations of a total of 269.

The survey results show that PTI bagged 43% of the votes against 21% by closest rival ANP. PMN (N), PPPP and JI candidates could capture only 16%, 9% and 8% votes, respectively.

The analysis shows some interesting trends. The gender breakdown of the exit poll result shows that 44% of male voters and 40% of female voters voted for the PTI; while the ANP got 21% of male and 22% of female votes. Interestingly, the JI that got only 5% of male votes got as many as 13% of female votes.

The voting activity also has clear connection with educational qualifications of the voters. The PTI was a clear choice of all educational qualification groups with a clear rising trend when it came to higher certification. Among the illiterate, the PTI grabbed 33% of votes and the ANP 27% of votes. 48% of matriculate voters voted for the PTI while the PML (N) was at second place with 18%. The PTI was choice of 54% graduate voters while ANP of 16%. Moving to Master’s degree, the PTI was popular among 60% of voters while the ANP was at second position with 18% of voters.

The voter choice also indicates a connection with the age group. 55% of young voter aged between 18 and 22 years voted for the PTI, while this percentage dropped to 48% among voters aged between 23 and 35 years. This percentage further drops to 38% when we talk about the age group of 36-50; while the percentage of the ANP rises to 23%. It was 18% in the age group of 18-22. Among voters aged between 51 and 65, the ANP was the most popular party with 31% support, having a very thin margin of less than 1% over the PTI.

Talking about the occupation groups, among the self-employed professional degree holders, the PTI and ANP were equally popular with 33% of votes. The 49% of business group supported the PTI while only 18% supported the ANP. Among daily wagers, the PTI grabbed 45% and ANP 24% of votes. Industry workers also chose the PTI with 32% while the ANP improved its position with 28% of votes. 41% and 22% unemployed voters supported the PTI and ANP, respectively. Moreover, the PTI got maximum support from 62% of students, while the PML (N) and ANP lagged behind with 18% and 12% of votes, respectively.

About CED: CED is a civil society coalition for voter education, election observation and strengthening democratic institutions. Its secretariat is based at CPDI

This is a preliminary report issued by Coalition for Elections and Democracy (CED) for observing the by-election at NA-4 (Peshawar IV). Total number of Registered voters in the constituency is 397904 including 235164 male voters and 162740 female voters. Total number of polling stations set up in the constituency is 269 with 837 polling booths, 492 for male voters and 345 for female voters. This report presents the observation of the opening process of polling in the constituency.

The observation teams reached the designated poling stations at 7:30 am to assess the preparedness of the poling staff and to observe the opening process of voting at the polling stations. At all the sampled polling stations ECP staff cooperated with the CED teams; they were allowed to enter the premises and observe the proceedings.

At the approach of the pooling stations the observers noted the environment outside the polling station. Voter enthusiasm was observed to a great extent and 20% polling stations had queues of voters outside the gate before opening of the voting.

Observers reported that campaign material and campaign activity was seen outside majority of the polling stations implying that the ECP code of conduct was not being followed. At 25% sampled polling stations, Voters were seen to be transported and voter parchi was also being distributed, Presence of campaign material and party camps within restricted 400 yards of the polling stations was also noticed at 62% polling stations.

Situation outside the polling station before the start of the polling was generally calm and no violence was reported, the security forces were in good control of the security arrangements.

The polling staff was present on majority of the sampled poling stations at the starting time. However at PS# 176 the ECP staff reached after 8am. At PS# 95 assistant presiding officer of one of the two booths was absent, the presiding officer started the polling by placing one ballot box for both the booths at 8am. At polling station #147 polling officer was not present during starting process but polling stated on time. It was observed that female staff had been deputed on the polling booths designated for the females on all the sampled polling stations.

Starting time of the polling is 8 am however 70% of the sampled poling stations started late. Out of those polling stations that stated late, the delay was observed to be 1-10 minutes at 14%, 11-30 minutes at 57% and 31-60 minutes at 29%. Major cause of delay was unpreparedness of staff at 60% of the polling stations that started late. However absence of polling staff delayed the start of polling for 48 minutes at polling station#176.

The poling station lay out at the start of the polling was found to be suitable for voting at 70% sampled polling stations while 30% reported issues of insufficient space; for instance at PS# 134 and 173 the polling rooms ware small, at PS# 95 two polling booths were setup in one room.

Sufficient essential polling material i.e. ballot boxes, secrecy screens, seals, indelible ink, voters’ lists etc. was present at majority of the polling stations but some instances were reported otherwise. At PS #147 only 1700 ballot papers were provide against total 2182 registered voters.

The CED observers reported discrepancies in opening procedure; the polling staff followed complete opening procedures at 50% sampled poling stations, At some places the staff was found lacking the know how of all the steps of the procedure. At PS#176 the presiding officer of female polling station told CED observers that they were not properly trained therefore they faced problems in initiation of the proceedings. The empty ballot boxes were shown at all polling stations however; at PS #266 the ballot boxes were not shown to be securely sealed. The polling started at all polling booths in presence of the poling agents from major political parties. The CED observers were allowed to observe the opening process without any restrictions.

All the major parties have deployed their polling agents at polling stations; PTI had maximum presence of the polling agents during the opening process with deployment at 73% % polling booths. PML (N), ANP and JI followed with presence of their polling agents at 60% booths, PPP remained lowest with 56%. However, presence of party agents at female polling booths was seen lagging behind. PTI, ANP, PML (N) and JI had polling agents present at 50% booths on sampled polling stations. PPPP did not have female agents present at 60% women polling booths at the time of opening.

The CED observers noted that the opening process remained calm and no untoward incident was reported at the polling stations; no formal complaint was lodged at the sampled polling stations during the opening process.

The observers reported their satisfaction about cooperation of the PS staff, at 100% sampled polling station the observers were allowed to observe the opening procedure without restriction. The opening process was carried out in front of the party representatives and the observers reported no restrictions. The CED observers rated conduct of the PS staff to be good at 70% and very good at 20% of the sampled polling stations. One team reported the conduct to be very bad because the procedures were not being followed properly.

About CED: CED is a civil society coalition for voter education, election observation and strengthening democratic institutions. Its secretariat is based at CPDI