PM Shehbaz congratulates PML-N candidates for ‘brilliant success’ in by-elections Azad News HD
PML-N’s By-Poll Sweep Amid Boycott, Low Turnout, and Allegations: A Deep Dive Into Pakistan’s Shifting Democratic Landscape
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s congratulatory message to Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) candidates on Monday—celebrating what he described as an “overwhelming win” in the previous day’s by-elections—landed in a political environment thick with tension, skepticism, and familiar fault lines. These by-polls, conducted amid an election boycott by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) in all but two constituencies, saw low voter turnout and a renewed wave of rigging allegations, underscoring once more the volatile and contested nature of Pakistan’s electoral politics.
While the prime minister’s remarks were celebratory, and while the PML-N celebrated another addition to its political momentum, the wider landscape presents a far more complex picture. This was not merely an electoral exercise but a political episode that reflected the challenges, anxieties, and contradictions defining contemporary Pakistan: fractured political trust, widening partisan divides, and an electoral process struggling to preserve legitimacy amid deep national polarization.
The story of these by-polls is not simply about winners and losers. It is about the state of Pakistan’s democracy and the questions that continue to surround it. This 3,000-word analysis unpacks that moment from every angle—political, social, historical, and psychological—providing a comprehensive exploration of what this latest electoral event means for the future of Pakistan.
A Prime Minister’s Message in a Politically Charged Moment
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif took the stage—literally and figuratively—with a predictable message: congratulations to the victorious candidates of the PML-N, praise for party workers, and expressions of gratitude for the voters who turned out despite political turbulence. His statement was celebratory, but also strategic. As the head of government and a senior figure within the ruling party, such remarks were both expected and politically useful. They reinforced a narrative that the PML-N wanted to project: that the public remains receptive to its governance and leadership.
Every political leader understands that messaging matters as much as outcomes. In this case, Shehbaz Sharif’s message was clear: the by-poll results reaffirm the party’s connection to the electorate, even in the face of PTI’s boycott and the chorus of rigging allegations. He framed the victory not as a hollow, unchallenged win but as a continuation of the PML-N’s narrative of stability, governance, and experience.
But politics is rarely simple, and the broader environment surrounding these by-polls was anything but straightforward.
A Boycott That Reshaped the Playing Field
One of the defining features of these by-elections was PTI’s boycott in all but two constituencies. This decision alone reshaped the political terrain dramatically. Boycotts are not new in Pakistani politics; parties have used them at various times to protest perceived unfairness, to avoid legitimizing electoral processes they believe are compromised, or to stage symbolic resistance against the state or its institutions.
In this case, PTI’s partial boycott served several purposes:
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A Rejection of Legitimacy:
By refusing to contest most seats, PTI signaled that it does not trust the electoral framework as it currently exists. This was both a political message and a strategic move intended to delegitimize the process. -
A Positioning Tool:
Boycotts are often used to maintain moral high ground, allowing a party to argue that any unfavourable result is the product of a flawed system rather than a lack of public support. -
A Rallying Mechanism for Supporters:
PTI’s boycott provided a rallying point for its base, reinforcing the narrative of resistance, disenfranchisement, and struggle against perceived injustices.
But boycotts can also backfire. They create vacuums that other parties—especially ruling or dominant ones—can easily exploit. With PTI absent from most constituencies, PML-N candidates faced significantly less competition, turning the by-polls into a largely uncontested affair in many places. This dynamic contributed to the “overwhelming win” that the prime minister celebrated.
Yet, winning seats without robust competition often raises as many questions as it answers.
Low Turnout: A Silent Referendum on Politics
The by-polls were characterized by low voter turnout—a phenomenon that often signals deeper political fatigue. Elections, especially by-elections, can suffer from low participation for a variety of reasons, but in a politically charged climate like Pakistan’s, turnout is also a barometer of public sentiment.
Several plausible factors contributed to the low turnout:
1. Political Disillusionment
Pakistani voters have, over time, become increasingly skeptical of electoral processes. Allegations of rigging, manipulation, and interference—whether substantiated or not—erode confidence. When citizens believe outcomes are predetermined, their willingness to vote diminishes.
2. PTI’s Boycott
Supporters of PTI, one of Pakistan’s largest political movements, may have chosen to stay home rather than participate in a process their party rejected. Boycotts have a way of suppressing turnout far beyond the constituencies directly affected.
3. Security and Stability Concerns
Although the by-polls proceeded under official supervision, lingering worries about safety or unrest can always lower enthusiasm, especially in regions accustomed to political tension.
4. Electoral Fatigue
Pakistan has experienced intense political cycles, frequent protests, economic challenges, and institutional changes. Many voters feel exhausted by the constant churn of political drama.
Low turnout carries implications for all parties involved. For the PML-N, it complicates the narrative of overwhelming victory. Winning in an environment where fewer voters participated may raise questions about the depth of popular support. For PTI, the low turnout might be interpreted as vindication—that the electorate is disengaged or disillusioned without its participation. For the political system as a whole, it signals the fragility of democratic engagement.
Rigging Allegations: A Familiar but Damaging Chorus
No recent Pakistani election has escaped allegations of rigging, procedural irregularities, or interference. These claims—raised again during these by-polls—reflect a fundamental crisis of trust.
To be clear, no new or independent factual evidence is being asserted here. What matters in political dynamics is perception, and the perception among certain segments of the public is that electoral processes cannot be trusted. Even the mere presence of allegations can deeply influence narrative and legitimacy.
Why do rigging allegations persist so strongly in Pakistan’s political discourse?
1. Historical Precedents
From the 1977 general elections to the controversies surrounding 2013, 2018, and beyond, Pakistan has a long history of disputed mandates. Each episode leaves scars on the system.
2. Polarization
When political identities become tribal, losing is not simply defeat—it becomes proof of foul play. In such an environment, allegations flourish.
3. Lack of Institutional Confidence
Many Pakistanis feel distrust toward the institutions responsible for supervising elections, whether due to past controversies, political polarization, or perceived lack of transparency.
4. Information Warfare
Social media amplifies allegations rapidly, sometimes without evidence, creating tides of perception that influence public sentiment long before official statements or inquiries emerge.
Rigging allegations—even when unproven—can delegitimize electoral outcomes in the eyes of large segments of the population. This matters profoundly, because in democratic systems, legitimacy is often as important as legality.
The PML-N’s Narrative: Stability, Competence, Experience
For PML-N, the by-poll victories offer material to reinforce a specific political narrative: that the party represents stability, governance, and continuity. In a time of economic struggle, political turmoil, and regional uncertainty, PML-N emphasizes experience and institutional relationships as key strengths.
Shehbaz Sharif’s congratulations were not just about acknowledging victories—they were part of the strategic communication underlying the PML-N project:
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projecting party unity
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demonstrating electoral viability
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countering opponents’ narratives of illegitimacy
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showcasing effective governance under challenging conditions
The prime minister’s comments, therefore, were directed at more than just the successful candidates—they were aimed at supporters, undecided voters, international observers, and political rivals.
The PTI’s Position: A Boycott as Strategy and Symbol
For PTI, the by-polls offered little direct political gain, but much opportunity for narrative-building. Through its boycott (except in two constituencies), PTI positioned itself as a party standing against what it frames as an unfair political environment.
Boycotts can be risky. They can leave legislative spaces and political positions uncontested. But they can also energize a party’s base and reinforce its perception as a movement combating entrenched power.
In this context, PTI’s approach to the by-polls likely aimed to:
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delegitimize the process
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reduce turnout
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claim moral high ground
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allege institutional manipulation
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maintain internal cohesion among supporters
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avoid the embarrassment of losses in unfavorable circumstances
Thus, while the PML-N celebrated victory, PTI framed the results as evidence of a compromised system.
The Broader Democratic Landscape: A Fragile Circle of Trust
The by-polls reveal a deeper issue: Pakistan’s political system is struggling to maintain a circle of trust among its key stakeholders—political parties, institutions, voters, media, and civil society.
The recurring themes of boycotts, allegations, polarization, and low turnout reflect a democratic ecosystem under pressure. Elections are supposed to produce legitimacy, but when they are overshadowed by doubt, the system’s stability becomes precarious.
This is not unique to Pakistan; across the world, democracies are grappling with misinformation, polarization, institutional distrust, and political fragmentation. But Pakistan’s case is distinct because these challenges exist alongside complex historical legacies, security concerns, and economic stress.
Voters Caught in the Middle
The ordinary Pakistani voter—burdened by inflation, unemployment, security anxieties, and daily struggle—often feels squeezed between competing narratives. The state says elections are fair. The opposition says they are not. The media amplifies both perspectives. Social media muddies the waters further.
In this environment, many voters choose disengagement. They do not boycott because a party tells them to; they simply lose faith that their vote matters. Low turnout in these by-polls reflects not only political strategy but deeper democratic fatigue.
What the By-Polls Mean for Pakistan’s Political Future
This electoral episode, while limited in geographic scope, holds broader significance for Pakistan’s political trajectory.
1. The Legitimacy Question Persists
Regardless of party, Pakistan’s political actors continue to battle for legitimacy, not just votes. Without shared acceptance of electoral outcomes, governance becomes more difficult and instability more likely.
2. Political Polarization Deepens
The divide between competing political narratives—“victory” vs “rigged process”—further entrenches polarization. When parties disagree not just on policies but on the basic rules of the game, compromise becomes elusive.
3. Voter Confidence Remains Fragile
Low participation suggests that many voters either feel unrepresented or are unconvinced that elections will meaningfully change their lives.
4. Parties Are Rebuilding Their Power Bases
The PML-N seeks continuity and legitimacy. PTI aims to maintain its identity as a movement resisting perceived unfairness. Smaller parties watch closely, preparing strategies for future contests.
5. Pakistan’s Democratic Institutions Are Being Tested
Election management, dispute resolution, institutional neutrality, and public communication will continue to face scrutiny.
A Moment of Clarity Amid Confusion
The by-polls reveal a paradox: while the electoral results were clear for the PML-N, the political implications remain deeply ambiguous. A victory without broad participation can be difficult to frame as a mandate. A boycott that suppresses turnout can simultaneously weaken and strengthen a party’s political narrative. Allegations of rigging—regardless of their evidence—can overshadow achievements and intensify divides.
In his congratulatory message, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasized victory and party strength. But beneath this statement lies a more complicated reality: Pakistan’s political system is going through one of its most polarized eras.
The Path Forward: Rebuilding Democratic Confidence
The events surrounding these by-polls highlight several urgent needs for the future of Pakistan’s democratic life.
1. Strengthening Electoral Transparency
Clearer processes, enhanced oversight, and proactive public communication can help reduce allegations and build trust.
2. Institutional Neutrality and Public Perception
Even if institutions act impartially, public perception must reflect that impartiality. This requires long-term confidence-building.
3. Reducing Political Polarization
Dialogue—however difficult—is essential. Pakistan’s political system cannot function sustainably if its major actors treat each other as existential enemies.
4. Engaging the Voter
The public must feel that participation matters. Otherwise, low turnout will become the norm rather than the exception.
5. Clear Rules of Engagement Among Parties
A shared understanding of electoral rules and red lines is essential for political stability.
Conclusion: A Victory, A Boycott, and a Mirror to Pakistan’s Politics
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s congratulations to PML-N candidates mark one part of the story—the celebratory part. But the larger picture is both more complex and more revealing.
The by-polls took place in an atmosphere shaped by:
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a major opposition boycott
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low turnout
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rigging allegations
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deep public disillusionment
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entrenched political polarization
While the PML-N secured its wins, the elections also highlighted the fragility of Pakistan’s democratic fabric. They served as a mirror reflecting both the strengths and the vulnerabilities of the system.
If Pakistan is to move forward toward a more stable democratic future, it must not only celebrate victories but also confront the systemic issues that continue to erode trust. The by-polls were, in many ways, a small election—but they cast a long shadow over the nation’s political trajectory.
