CHAKWAL: PML-N candidate Malik Sheharyar Awan registered a victory in the by-election of PP-23, Chakwal.
According to unofficial results, Malik Sheharyar Awan has bagged 71, 198 votes compared to his rival PTI candidate Sultan Surkhuru, who came second with 51, 063 votes.
Polling for by-election in Punjab Assembly constituency PP-23 (Chakwal-IV) was held amid strict security measures.
The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) set up 199 polling stations while the paratroopers assisted the district administration to maintain the law and order situation.
Although eight candidates were vying for the vacated seat, a close contest was expected between Malik Sheharyar Awan of the PML-N and Col (retired) Sultan Surkhru of the PTI. The PML-Q, JI and PAT supported the PTI candidate.
In the run up to the elections, electioneering continued to the last moment as PTI chief Imran Khan and MNA Hamza Shahbaz addressed election meetings of their respective candidates.
JUI-F Ameer Maulana Fazl-ur-Rehman visited Talagang and announced supporting the PML-N candidate.
The seat fell vacant after the death of Malik Zahoor Anwar of the PML-N, who had won the 2013 general elections with the margin of more than 9,000 votes. –
