Voters don’t hold back their emotions about candidates
lahore — Despite Pakistan Election Day being marred by Quetta blast that killed 31 people and injured over 30, voting was relatively peaceful and organised though a painfully slow process.
Patriotism was running high and millions of voters turned out in huge numbers braving the heat, humidity and rain with a huge number of females also exercising their right to vote.
Voting, that started more or less at the allotted time at 8am, came to an end at 6pm even though some political parties asked for an hour’s extension. However, security officials made sure that the time fixed by ECP was followed to the dot. None of the late comers were allowed into the polling stations after voting time was over at 6pm.
Earlier on Election Day, the voters started spelling out their preferences.
In NA-131, which was a close contest between Imran Khan and PML-N’s Khawaja Saad Rafique who was also the former Railways Minister, majority of voters said they would vote for Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaf (PTI).
“We have voted for Imran previously, will vote for him now and will also vote for him next time,” said Saadia and Mariam, who came in to vote in the afternoon.
They said that there was a bit of confusion in getting registration slips and the voting rooms were
Lahore residents crowded. “Other than this, the process is quite smooth,” they said.
NA-132, which was being contested by PML-N head Shahbaz Sharif, also had a good turnout though voters complained of mismanagement.
“We have been standing here since 8am and the procedure is very slow,” said one voter. “I have no idea what is going on inside,” he added. Majority of the voters in this constituency voted for the PML-N. “They have done lots of improvement work in our area so my vote is for PML-N,” said another voter. By the end of the day, excited voters had started celebrations, all wishing for victory of their party. Supporters took to the streets in cars and on motorcycles waving party flags, music blaring loudly and raising supporting slogans.
“We are supporting Imran Khan and we know he will win and be the prime minister of Pakistan,” said his supporters. Likewise, supporters of PML-N were hopeful for the win of their leader.
Not surprising, but none of the voters Khaleej Times spoke to showed support to Pakistan People’s Party (PPP).
We have voted for Imran previously, will vote for him now and will also vote for him next time Saadia and Mariam,