In a groundbreaking revelation, Pakistan has emerged as the fifth-largest democracy globally, a testament to its burgeoning electorate. According to the recently released Fafen Report titled “Electoral Rolls, General Election 2024,” the country has witnessed an unparalleled surge in voter registration, solidifying its democratic credentials. Notably, for the first time, Pakistan boasts more registered women voters than men, marking a significant milestone in its electoral history.
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Registered Voters (Global) | Fifth-highest globally |
| Country | Pakistan |
| Total Registered Voters | 128.5 million people |
| Percentage of Population | Over half of the total population |
| Electoral Rolls | Final Electoral Rolls (FER) |
| Upcoming Elections Date | February 8 |
| Increase in Voters since 2018 | 22.5 million |
| Women Voters Increase | 12.5 million |
1. Pakistan’s Electoral Landscape: A Record 128.5 Million Voters
The Fafen Report discloses that Pakistan now proudly hosts 128.5 million registered voters, representing over half of its total population. This substantial increase of 22.5 million voters since 2018 positions Pakistan as a major democratic player on the world stage. Among these voters, 12.5 million are women, highlighting a remarkable shift in gender dynamics.
2. Regional Disparities in Voter-to-Population Ratios
While the overall voter-to-population ratio stands at 53.2%, regional disparities are evident. Punjab leads with a 57% ratio, followed closely by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with 53%. Sindh and Islamabad hover around 50%, while Balochistan lags at 36%. The report underscores the need for equitable representation across all regions.
3. Gender Parity Achievements: Bridging the Gap
The implementation of special measures by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), in collaboration with the National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra) and civil society, has played a pivotal role in narrowing the gender gap. The FER for GE-2024 reflects a substantial reduction in the gender gap from 12.4 million (11.8%) in 2018 to 9.9 million (7.7%).
4. Age Dynamics of the Gender Gap
Examining age dynamics, the Fafen Report identifies that men outnumber women across all age groups except the 65+ category. The most pronounced gender gap exists in the 18-25 age group, contributing 20 percentage points to the overall gap of 9.9 million. Acknowledging progress, Fafen calls for sustained efforts to address challenges, particularly in regions and age groups where gender gaps persist.
5. Challenges and Opportunities: Balochistan’s Gender Gap
While significant progress is evident, challenges persist, particularly in Balochistan, where the gender gap remains above 10%. The regional distribution of the gender gap underscores the need for targeted initiatives, with Punjab, Sindh, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa accounting for the majority of the gap.
6. Looking Ahead: Fafen’s Call for Continued Efforts
Fafen recognizes the strides made in women’s voter registration but emphasizes the need for ongoing efforts to address persistent challenges. The report calls for focused initiatives, particularly in regions and age groups where gender gaps are more pronounced.
7. Finding Your Constituency: A Practical Guide
To facilitate voter engagement, the report provides a practical guide to finding one’s constituency and polling booth location. By sending an SMS of their NIC number to 8300, voters can obtain this information and further access the ECP website for candidate details.
Conclusion
Pakistan’s journey towards becoming the fifth-largest democracy is marked by a surge in voter registration, unprecedented gender parity, and concerted efforts to address disparities. As the nation approaches the Feb 8 elections, the Fafen Report serves as a crucial resource, urging citizens to actively participate in the democratic process and celebrate the remarkable progress in achieving gender-inclusive elections.