NA 213 By-Election: PPP, PTI Face Off in Umerkot
With 18 candidates in the fray, including Saba Talpur of the PPP and Lal Chand Malhi of the PTI, the by-election in NA-213 Umerkot is expected to be a closely contested affair. The outcome will depend on various factors, including the ability of the candidates to mobilize support and the effectiveness of their campaigns.
The stage is set for a closely contested by-election in NA-213 Umerkot, Pakistan, as the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) backed by the Grand Democratic Alliance (GDA) vie for the National Assembly seat that fell vacant after the death of PPP leader Nawab Yousuf Talpur.
The PPP has chosen Saba Talpur, the widow of late Nawab Yousuf Talpur, as its candidate, while the PTI has fielded Lal Chand Malhi, who is backed by the GDA. The contest is expected to be tough, with the opposition alliance exploiting issues such as corporate farming and the Save Indus River Movement to gain support. The movement has thrown its weight behind Lal Chand Malhi, who has accused the PPP of selling land to outsiders and allowing the Punjab government to build canals on the Indus.
The PPP has a strong vote bank in the district, particularly among farmers and laborers, but the opposition alliance is trying to win over young and outspoken voters who are dissatisfied with the state of affairs in the district. The turnout for the by-election is expected to be high, with over 600,000 voters set to cast their votes. A total of 498 polling stations have been set up, including 98 male, 98 female, and 302 combined stations, with 269 declared sensitive.
The Provincial Election Commissioner has instructed the District Returning Officer, Returning Officers, and law enforcement agencies to ensure a free, fair, and peaceful election. The result of the by-election will be closely watched, as it is expected to have implications for the political landscape of the region.