The Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN) has released a full report of the 2024 general elections, revealing significant trends and changes in voter participation compared to earlier elections.
FAFEN report indicates that 61.28 million voters participated, with a turnout of 48%, a decrease from the 52% turnout in 2018. Despite this decline, the number of registered voters substantially increased, adding 22.5 million over six years.
A notable trend was the significant increase in female voter registration, which surpassed male registration for the first time. For the 2024 general elections, 12.5 million more women registered than men. This shift contributed to a smaller gender gap in turnout rates, which narrowed from 10% in 2018 to 9% in 2024.
The analysis also highlighted disparities in voting patterns between urban and rural areas. Rural areas had a higher turnout of 50%, notably higher than the 43.8% in urban regions.
FAFEN’s findings provide crucial insights into changing voter demographics and engagement, offering valuable information for policymakers and electoral bodies to enhance future election participation.
Read: Fafen Report Exposes Inefficiencies in Election Commission Tribunals
In October 2024, FAFEN urged political parties to engage transparently in comprehensive negotiations on proposed constitutional reforms in Pakistan. The organization pointed out critical weaknesses in the current constitution and stressed the need for extensive amendments to strengthen the legislative, electoral, and local government systems.
Download FAFEN Full Report on 2024 General Election
FAFEN attributed ongoing political instability in Pakistan to constitutional deficiencies, advocating for immediate reforms to empower Parliament as the protector of public interests. The proposed amendments focus on enhancing parliamentary authority to ensure it plays a central role in protecting citizens’ fundamental rights.
FAFEN also stressed the importance of public scrutiny in appointing constitutional officeholders and recommended empowering the Election Commission to oversee elections for all such positions. Furthermore, they suggested that future reforms should address issues of representation in the electoral system, advocating for the Election Commission to manage elections in the Senate to avoid conflicts like those experienced in 2021.
FAFEN called on political parties to set aside personal and communal differences and prioritize the national interest, underscoring that a strong, independent Parliament is crucial for safeguarding democracy and citizens’ rights.
The organization reiterated the importance of building consensus on these reforms to ensure political stability and good governance in Pakistan.
