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Decoding Pakistan's Presidential Election: Understanding the Weightage Formula and Vote Calculation
As Pakistan gears up for the upcoming presidential election, a closer look at the intricacies of the voting process reveals a unique system governed by a weightage formula.
ZL
by Zohaib Ali Lashari
2024-03-04
Decoding Pakistan's Presidential Election: Understanding the Weightage Formula and Vote Calculation

As Pakistan gears up for the upcoming presidential election, a closer look at the intricacies of the voting process reveals a unique system governed by a weightage formula. Unlike other constitutional positions, the presidency involves a nuanced approach to ensure fair representation across provinces.

Weightage Formula: A Balancing Act for Equal Representation

In a bid to maintain proportional representation among provinces, the weightage formula, outlined in the second schedule of the Constitution, is a critical element. This formula distributes votes in provincial assemblies by the total strength of the smallest assembly, typically Balochistan, ensuring each province's voice is heard.

Unveiling the Mechanics: Proportional Contribution of Provincial Votes

Delving into the mechanics, let's consider the example of the Punjab Assembly. With 371 votes to be divided by Balochistan's total seats (65), the weightage score is approximately 5.71. This implies that each vote in the Punjab Assembly carries a weight equivalent to 5.71 votes, offering insight into the intricate workings of the voting system.

Balancing Act: Weighing Votes Across Legislative Bodies

The weightage formula guarantees that the president truly represents the entire federation. Lawmakers from six houses, including the Senate, National Assembly, and provincial assemblies, contribute votes proportionally based on the unique weightage assigned to each provincial assembly.

Example Scenario:

Provincial Assemblies:

  1. Punjab Assembly (371 seats):
    • Weightage calculation: 371 / 65 (smallest assembly size) ≈ 5.71
    • Each vote from Punjab Assembly holds a weightage of approximately 5.71.
  2. Sindh Assembly (168 seats):
    • Weightage calculation: 168 / 65 ≈ 2.58
    • Each vote from Sindh Assembly holds a weightage of approximately 2.58.
  3. Balochistan Assembly (65 seats):
    • Weightage remains 1, as it is the smallest assembly.
  4. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Assembly (124 seats):
    • Weightage calculation: 124 / 65 ≈ 1.91
    • Each vote from KP Assembly holds a weightage of approximately 1.91.

Majlis-e-Shoora (Parliament):

  • Votes directly counted from the parliamentary body.

Result Aggregation:

  • The final result is the sum of votes from the parliamentary body and the weighted votes from provincial assemblies.

Illustration:

Suppose Candidate A receives the following votes:

  • Majlis-e-Shoora (Parliament): 120 votes
  • Punjab Assembly: 50 votes
  • Sindh Assembly: 30 votes
  • Balochistan Assembly: 15 votes
  • KP Assembly: 25 votes

Weighted Votes Calculation:

  1. Punjab Assembly:
    • 50 votes * 5.71 (weightage) ≈ 285.5 weighted votes
  2. Sindh Assembly:
    • 30 votes * 2.58 (weightage) ≈ 77.4 weighted votes
  3. Balochistan Assembly:
    • Weightage is 1, so 15 votes remain unchanged.
  4. KP Assembly:
    • 25 votes * 1.91 (weightage) ≈ 47.75 weighted votes

Total Weighted Votes:

  • 285.5 (Punjab) + 77.4 (Sindh) + 15 (Balochistan) + 47.75 (KP) = 425.65

Polling Stations: Nationwide Locations for Strategic Participation

To facilitate this complex process, polling stations are strategically placed in key locations, such as the Parliament in Islamabad and provincial assemblies in Lahore, Karachi, Quetta, and Peshawar. Presiding officers, appointed by the chief election commissioner, oversee the election at these stations to ensure a smooth and transparent process.

Secret Ballot: Safeguarding Democratic Principles

Aligned with democratic principles, the presidential election relies on a secret ballot system. Lawmakers receive a single ballot paper listing candidates alphabetically, emphasizing the confidentiality and privacy of the voting process. Each ballot paper is authenticated by the presiding officer to uphold the integrity of the election.

Chief Justice's Role: Bestowing Legitimacy Through the Oath

Post-election, the chief justice of Pakistan plays a pivotal role by administering the oath of office to the newly elected president. This symbolic act signifies the president's commitment to impartiality and underscores the importance of prioritizing national interests over personal considerations.
Tagged:

Pakistan

asif ali zardari

PresidentialElections

mahmood khan achakzai

calculation of votes in president elections pakistan
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