HARIPUR: Babar Nawaz Khan of the PML-N is leading with a clear and comfortable margin of victory in the by-election of NA-18 Haripur, as per the unofficial results of 447 polling stations.
As per the unconfirmed results compiled so far, Babar Nawaz Khan is keeping a very firm grip on the vote counts from the areas that have not yet reported their final tally. This time the constituency, which is known for its electoral competition, witnessed an upsurge of voters as they went to cast their votes earlier today.
The counting of ballots is not yet complete, and the office of the Returning Officer (RO) is anticipated to come up with the final consolidated results after cross-checking all Form-45 entries with the Result Management System (RMS).
The by-election has been a hot topic of debate between the major parties and independent candidates, who have shown the greatest political interest in the situation of political tension in Haripur only, as per political analysts. The followers of the candidates who are still in the race are staying at the RO office and waiting for the final vote count.
NA-18 by-elections: Tension mounts as barbed wire installed outside RO office in Haripur
Security was beefed up quite a bit with barbed wire barriers being installed late on Sunday outside the Returning Officer (RO) office after the arrival of the by-election results for NA-18 Haripur.
Supporters of both PML-N and PTI gathered outside the RO office and thus the atmosphere was charged. After the release of Form-45 results, PML-N leaders and workers got to the place immediately, whereas a large number of PTI supporters also started gathering.
Pusa led by senior party figure Yousuf Ayub Khan marched towards the RO office, demanding transparency in the result compilation process. At the same time, Umar Ayub Khan is said to have ordered PTI workers from all over the district to come to the RO office.
The Deputy Commissioner Haripur, District Police Officer Haripur, and other security officials along with their troops reached the place and their additional forces were seen around the RO office.
Strict security measures are in place as the vote-counting process continues and the RO office is still entering Form-45 data into the RMS system.
