Polling is underway in two Punjab constituencies as voters cast their ballots in the by-elections for National Assembly constituency NA-77 Gujranwala and Punjab Assembly constituency PP-203 Chichawatni on November 7, 2026.
Polling started at 8am and is scheduled to continue without interruption until 5pm. Election authorities have completed security and administrative arrangements to facilitate voters and ensure the process remains peaceful.
Voting Arrangements in NA-77 Gujranwala
A total of 518,620 registered voters are eligible to cast their ballots in NA-77 Gujranwala. Election authorities have established 333 polling stations across the constituency to manage the voting process.
According to the available details, 12 polling stations have been classified as highly sensitive, while another 34 have been declared sensitive. Security arrangements have been strengthened at these locations to prevent any untoward incidents.
Authorities have deployed 2,982 police personnel to maintain law and order throughout the constituency. Rangers contingents will also remain available as a quick response force if additional security support is required.
The constituency has 277,480 registered male voters and 241,140 female voters, making both groups an important part of the electoral process.
A total of 11 candidates are contesting the NA-77 by-election, seeking the support of voters in the constituency.
PML-N Candidate Rashid Bashir Virk Among Contestants
Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) candidate Rashid Bashir Virk is among the prominent contestants in the NA-77 by-election. He is the son of former MNA Mahmood Bashir Virk, whose death led to the seat becoming vacant.
Other candidates include Qazi Ibrahim Gujjar, representing the Central Muslim League, and independent candidate Ulfat Rasool Warraich.
The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has announced a boycott of the by-election and is not participating in the contest. Meanwhile, the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has also not fielded a candidate for the constituency.
The election is being closely watched as voters decide who will represent NA-77 in the National Assembly for the remainder of the term.
PP-203 Chichawatni By-Election Also Underway
Polling is also taking place in Punjab Assembly constituency PP-203 Chichawatni, where voters are choosing a replacement for the late PML-N lawmaker Chaudhry Muhammad Hanif Jatt.
The seat became vacant following his death, prompting the Election Commission to arrange a by-election.
His son, Chaudhry Asad Hanif Jatt, is contesting the election on the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz ticket.
Voters in Chichawatni are participating in the same polling schedule, with voting continuing from 8am until 5pm.
Counting to Begin After Polling Ends
Election authorities have confirmed that polling in both constituencies will continue until 5pm without a scheduled break. Once voting concludes, the counting process will begin.
The final results will determine the new representatives for NA-77 Gujranwala and PP-203 Chichawatni.
Security personnel will remain deployed throughout the polling process, particularly at sensitive and highly sensitive polling stations. Authorities are expected to oversee the counting arrangements after ballot casting ends.
The by-elections are important for the political representation of both constituencies, as successful candidates will fill the seats left vacant following the deaths of the previous lawmakers.
Also read: Peruvian Politician Hitler Mussolini Wins Local Election
