Tweeters notice thinning of PML-N victory margin

Lahore: NA 120 remained the top trend in Pakistan’s Twitter space on Sunday. There were mixed reactions on the result. PML-N supporters reacted to the victory and congratulated Maryam Nawaz for leading a successful election campaign. Sindh governor Mohammad Zubair? said, “;Inspite of disqualification and all other factors loaded against, pmln still winning big in 120. Shows it remains Paks most popular party” Member of PML-N social media team Faisal Ranjha? tweeted, “;PMLN voters come out and vote, you are winning but make it a big win, turn out is low in NA 120! #PeoplesVerdict” Journalists and neutral observers also shared their opinion on the PML-N victory and the noticeable margin of difference between votes bagged by PML-N and PTI. Journalist Asad Hashim? said, “;Notes from the field: PML-N voters seemed far more connected to local party machinery, PTI voters more motivated by national political q’s.” MQM MNA Syed Ali Raza Abidi? said, “;So far PTI seems to be retaining its vote bank of 2013 falling short by 20% only. PMLN is way below its target losing 60% votes yet leading.” Anchorperson Zarrar Khuhro? said, “;Unless margin swells dramatically this is more cause for concern than celebration for pmln #NA120” Journalist Kamran Shahid? tweeted, “;Kulsoom Sahiba won with deficit of PMLN trust (59000)/Trust in Nawaz Sharif led by Mariam. N significantly dropped by massive fig of 32000!” PTI Chairman Imran Khan tweeted, “;Applaud courage and determination with which Dr Yasmin Rashid fought NA120 against fed-prov-LG govt-backed PMLN with their massive funds” PTI leader Jahangir Khan Tareen? said, “;Extremely proud of PTI putting up an amazing fight against the might of Federal & Punjab govts well done Dr Yasmin, future belongs 2 PTI IA” Some observers specifically praised the PTI candidate’s performance. Anchor Ayesha Khalid? said, “;Not a PTI supporter but I’ll be glad for Dr Yasmin Rashid, the way she fiercely campaigned in the streets of NA 120 going door to door .” Anchor Nadia Mirza said,? “;Never seen such a massive campaign by #PMLN in their home cnstitncy #NA120 b4, shows the fear of losing. This is #PTI brought them on roads” Anchor Javed Chaudhry? said, “;In my opinion, This is a moral defeat for PMLN.. This is their home ground, yet PTI lacked by a margin of 10K votes. #NA120” Some spoke about how PTI supporters have a habit of not accepting election results if they lose, and tend to term voters of other political parties illiterate and politically immature. User Ferman N? said, “;Now a brigade will appear on social media from the “;Awaam” cursing on “;Awaam” #NA120 #PTI #PMLN” Lawyer Abdullah Nizamani? tweeted, “;Kalsoom Nawaz is winning on Geo and ARY which means she’ll likely win this election. Time for PTI to cry as they usually do. #NA120” Author Yousuf Nazar? tweeted, “;PML-N’s lead has shrunk from 40k votes in 2013 to 13k in 2017 or 75% more votes than PTI in 2013 to 30% in 2017. Not a good omen 4 PM” Twitterati express concern over PPP’s poor show Meanwhile, PPP’s absence from the scene was also noticed by the Tweeters. Some users expressed concerns that Milli Muslim League (MML), a new party known for its extremist links, managed to secure more votes than PPP. Journalist Talat Aslam? said, “;Faisal Mir a distant 4th on seat where PPP used to be runner-up. If reconciliation damaged party in Punjab, attacking N hasn’t helped either” Activist Syed Ali Abbas Zaidi? tweeted, “;Punjab Naheen Jaongi was made on PPP? The charoun soboun ki zanjeer is now restricted to Sind now. Sad. #NA120” Journalist Owais Tohid said,? “;Sad that PPP got less votes than JuD’s MML in #NA120 polls. PPP’s Faisal Mir accused MML spent more money on polls than PMLN &PTI” Awami Workers Party spokesperson Farooq Tariq? tweeted, “;Milli Muslim League is front organisation of Hafiz Saeed,Jamaat Dawaa, always supported by establishment, MML got 3000, splitting PMLN votes”     Published in Daily Times, September 18th 2017.