Many people believe what Imran Khan says, and whether he’s right or not, his supporters do. It’s wonderful that PML-N can manage polls on Punjab by-elections day.
PML-N has won 90% of by-elections in Punjab despite being in opposition. Inflation has plagued PML-N voters. They don’t vote.
PML-N can easily win 10 Punjab by-elections seats, PML-N will win 2 from Lahore, and Tehreek-e-Insaf is strong in PP-167.
The number of new voters has increased in all constituencies, which will favor Tehreek-e-Insaf. If PML-N wants to win, it must bring its voters out.
PML-N gave tickets to PTI candidates instead of long-time workers. Or having defeated PML-N in independent status, PML-N employees and people are resentful; it remains to be seen how badly PML-N will fare on Sunday.
PP217 Multan 7 is the most exciting by-election. Shah Mehmood Qureshi ran from here in 2018 but lost to Salman Naeem. PML-N has fielded Mohammad Salman, who won as an independent last time, whereas PTI has fielded Shah Mehmood Qureshi’s son Zain.
If Salman Naeem, PML-N, and People’s Party votes are merged, an interesting race is likely. Syed Basit Sultan’s wife is running for PML-N, while Tehreek-e-Insaf has chosen Moazzam Khan Jatoi.
Basit Sultan’s brother Haroon Sultan is also running as an independent in the same constituency with the support of some unhappy PML-N members, therefore the party’s vote may be split.
Tehreek-e-Insaf could win depending on party lines and popularity. PML-N won 9 of 20 byelections to keep Hamza Shahbaz as chief minister. If Hamza Shehbaz isn’t CM of Punjab, Shehbaz Sharif’s PMship could be under jeopardy.
