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FAISALABAD, Nov 23 (APP):State Minister for Interior Senator Talal Badar Chaudhry on Sunday said that the most significant outcome of today’s by-elections was the clear rejection of boycott calls, declaring that voters demonstrated their commitment to democratic participation despite attempts by a political party to discourage turnout.
Talking to the media after casting his vote in NA-96, he said that the people of Punjab had refused to endorse the boycott narrative and questioned why, in a single day of nationwide by-elections, two different principles had been adopted — one allowing voting in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa while urging abstention in Punjab.
He argued that discouraging citizens from exercising their fundamental right to vote amounted to a violation of the constitution. The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) should take notice of an “assault on the basic right,” he added.
Talal said that although various notices had been issued by the ECP, including one served to him, his party would respond to all such notices through constitutional and legal means. He said that the larger issue was the attempt by a political party to prevent citizens from voting. “If a party claims to be democratic and representative, how can it call for a boycott of a right clearly guaranteed by the constitution?” he asked.
The state minister said that voters were casting ballots in recognition of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s governance and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s performance rather than responding to slogans or agitation campaigns. He said that turnout in Jaranwala and other areas appeared higher than typical by-election levels, and not a single polling station reported a functional boycott.
Responding to a question about turnout estimates, he said that while exact figures would emerge later, initial observations indicated participation above usual by-election patterns.
On security arrangements, the state minister expressed satisfaction and said that no untoward incident had been reported. The police, rangers, and Pakistan Army were also deployed under the ECP’s operational control, he added.
Commenting on reports of minor violations such as voters recording videos inside polling stations, Talal Chaudhry said that such small and isolated incidents should not overshadow the broader transparency of the electoral process.
He said that polling agents were present, the secrecy of the ballot had been maintained, and SOPs were followed at large. “If someone violates rules, action will be taken, but overall, the process is free and fair,” he added.
He urged the ECP to focus on the “larger violation,” which is attempts to boycott the elections, as it is an unconstitutional approach that undermines democracy. He said that his party would fully cooperate with the ECP and demonstrate that it had committed no legal or procedural breach during the campaign or polling process.
He said that Punjab should not be subjected to discriminatory political treatment. The voters had once again proved their commitment to democracy by turning out in significant numbers despite divisive narratives, he added.