Big victory for PML-N in Punjab local polls

According to unofficial results, the PML-N secured 351 union council seats, with only independent candidates coming close to the ruling party with 283 seats

LAHORE: The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) swept to victory in the first phase of the local government (LG) elections held in 12 districts of Punjab on Saturday.

PML-N voters seemed to have put a gaping difference between the ruling party and all other candidates contesting the LG polls held after almost a decade.

According to unofficial results, the PML-N secured 351 union council (UC) seats, with only independent candidates coming close to the ruling party with 283 seats.

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) and the Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid ( PMLQ) performed abysmally, as they managed to win only 81, four and seven seats, respectively.

Twelve Punjab districts – Lahore, Faisalabad, Gujrat, Kasur, Okara, Vehari, Bahawalnagar, Chakwal, Pakpattan, Lodhran, Bhakkar and Nankana Sahib – marked their ballots in the first phase of the LG elections.

According to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), the number of registered voters in these 12 districts was 20,085,329 – 11,310,912 male and 8,774,417 female voters.

“LG elections are the basic pillars of the democratic rule of government in a democratic system, and a milestone in the survival and strengthening of democracy,” said Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif in a statement.

He said the results of the LG polls received so far had verified the results of the 2013 general elections. “LG elections always play an important role in strengthening the democratic system and promoting democratic norms.”

He said the first phase of the polls had concluded peacefully in the province.

“All the candidates have played a role in strengthening the democratic system.

The future of Pakistan depends on democracy.”