{"id":50044,"date":"2024-01-20T00:33:06","date_gmt":"2024-01-20T00:33:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/news.pakistaninewspaperlist.com\/poll-buzz-grows-as-campaigning-begins-the-express-tribune\/"},"modified":"2024-01-20T00:33:06","modified_gmt":"2024-01-20T00:33:06","slug":"poll-buzz-grows-as-campaigning-begins-the-express-tribune","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/pakistaninewspaperlist.com\/news\/poll-buzz-grows-as-campaigning-begins-the-express-tribune\/","title":{"rendered":"Poll buzz grows as campaigning begins | The Express Tribune"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\nRAWALPINDI:
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With the formal commencement of the election campaign for seven national and 14 provincial assembly seats in the Rawalpindi district, candidates from all political parties have started holding small-scale corner meetings and door-to-door canvassing.<\/span><\/p>\n

In contrast to the fervent electoral activities witnessed during the 2018 elections, this time around, candidates seem to favour a more subdued approach, refraining from major rallies at the outset. Throughout the city, streets, markets, intersections, and roads are adorned with the vibrant colours of panaflexes and banners representing candidates from various parties.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) candidates have also started campaigning in streets, neighbourhoods and markets and distributing electoral pamphlets among the voters.<\/span><\/p>\n

Candidates of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PMLN), Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and PTI have submitted applications with the Deputy Commissioner\u2019s Office for gatherings in Liaquat Bagh, while Awami Muslim League (AML) chief Sheikh Rashid Ahmad has put up a request for holding last public meeting outside Lal Haveli on February 6.<\/span><\/p>\n

Read\u00a0\u00a0<\/a><\/span><\/strong>Non-residents contest from suburbs<\/a><\/p>\n

Election offices of political parties and their candidates are now functional in the streets where voters are being served late-night snacks, tea, coffee, peanuts, and roasted grains.<\/span><\/p>\n

Though the general elections are nearing, the traditional election campaign has not yet started. Up to 40% of electoral activities are currently underway as compared to the previous elections. Flags of political parties are hardly seen on automobiles, motorcycles and rooftops.<\/span><\/p>\n

The workers representing candidates have started obtaining voter lists from the Election Commission of Pakistan and preparing vote slips for door-to-door delivery. These vote slips will be distributed door to door from Feb 1 to aware the voters about their designated polling stations.<\/span><\/p>\n

Election contestants vow to begin their active campaigns from next week.<\/span><\/p>\n

Read\u00a0<\/span><\/strong>Election fever grips parties as country enters final phase<\/a><\/p>\n

Role of social media<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

During the current election atmosphere, social media was playing an important role in enabling the country\u2019s politicians to reach out to the voters and provide them with a platform to connect easily, according to a report aired by a private news channel.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe printing and selling of election-related items has also picked momentum, and wholesalers and vendors have expressed happiness over the increasing demand and sales of party posters,\u201d said a citizen.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAs time passes and the general elections are drawing near, the political parties will continue their political wars on social media grounds,\u201d said a youngster while favouring a party and posting a picture of his favourite politician.<\/span><\/p>\n

Published in The Express Tribune, January 19th<\/sup>, 2024.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n