The ruling PML-N has retained both seats in Sunday’s Punjab by-elections, winning the National Assembly constituency NA-77 in Gujranwala and the Punjab Assembly constituency PP-203 in Chichawatni, according to unofficial results.

In NA-77, PML-N candidate Rashid Bashir Virk secured 43,365 votes, defeating Pakistan Markazi Muslim League candidate Muhammad Ibrahim Gujjar, who bagged 30,218 votes, according to the Form-47 seen by Dawn. The margin was 13,147 votes. Results from all 333 polling stations in the constituency were counted. Voter turnout stood at 15.7 per cent.

In PP-203, PML-N candidate Muhammad Asad Hanif Jutt won with 42,114 votes, defeating Tehreek-i-Ehsas Pakistan candidate Muhammad Awais Mahmood, who secured 24,512 votes, according to the same Form-47. Turnout in the constituency was 27.6 per cent.

Both seats had fallen vacant after the deaths of their PML-N lawmakers in September. The NA-77 seat became vacant following the death of five-time MNA Chaudhry Mehmood Bashir Virk on 11 September after a prolonged illness, while PP-203 fell vacant after the death of MPA Chaudhry Muhammad Hanif Jutt. The PTI boycotted the by-elections, and the PPP and Jamaat-i-Islami did not field candidates in NA-77.

The polling was largely peaceful, but turnout was low, and one village in Gujranwala boycotted polling completely. The Election Commission of Pakistan issued explanation notices to five PML-N women lawmakers over alleged violations of the election code of conduct and warned that the NA-77 result could be withheld pending a final decision. The commission has summoned those named for a hearing on 12 November.

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