The overall estimate of expenditures in the general elections has surpassed a staggering 1.52 trillion, 65 crores, 91 lakh 50 thousand rupees! The general elections of 2024 have proven to be the most expensive elections in Pakistan’s history, with an average expenditure of approximately 2,522 rupees per vote cast. According to details, the overall estimate of expenditures in the general elections is 1.52 trillion, 65 crores, 91 lakh 50 thousand rupees. Candidates spent a whopping 103 crores, 95 lakh 20 thousand rupees during the electoral campaign. The Election Commission incurred expenses of 48 billion rupees on the general elections of 2024.
Reports suggest that a total of 6 crores, 5 lakh, 8 thousand 212 votes were cast in the general elections. National Assembly’s 5,254 candidates were allowed election expenses up to 1 crore rupees. The candidates for the National Assembly spent 52 billion 54 crores rupees. A total of 12,853 candidates for the Provincial Assemblies were allowed expenses up to 40 lakh. These candidates spent 51 billion 41 crores 20 lakh rupees. Expenditures soared on officers, sensitive, and highly sensitive polling stations due to the installation of cameras. Most candidates spent 50% of their budget on transportation and other modes on polling day. Serious amounts were spent on printed voter lists, stationery, electoral documents, and ballot papers. Expenditures were incurred on the training of election officials and the payment of allowances on election day. Considerable amounts were spent on delimitation, scrutiny of voter lists, and other election materials. Despite the Election Management System and all the claims, the results could not be delivered due to the internet shutdown. Expenditures were made on the preparation of EMS, testing, training of staff, and the procurement of equipment.
Candidates across the country collected more than 65 crores through nomination papers. Candidates, on average, gathered a total of 65 crores, 57 lakh 40 thousand rupees. For the general and reserved seats of the National Assembly, 8,322 papers were collected. National Assembly candidates collected 24 crore 96 lakh 60 thousand rupees in the treasury. For the general and reserved seats of the Provincial Assemblies, 20,304 papers were collected. Provincial Assembly candidates gathered 40 crore 60 lakh 80 thousand rupees. 459 women collected 1 crore 37 lakh 70 thousand rupees for the reserved seats. For minority seats, 150 papers were collected along with 45 lakh rupees. The fee for participating in the National Assembly’s seat elections was set at 30,000 rupees. For women in the Provincial Assemblies, 1,365 papers were collected, totaling 2 crore 73 lakh. For minority seats in the Provincial Assemblies, 393 papers were collected, totaling 78 lakh 60 thousand rupees. The election fee for Provincial Assembly seats was set at 20,000 rupees. The amount collected for participation in the elections was irretrievable.
