Polling for the by-election in NA-171 Rahim Yar Khan-III has officially started on Thursday, with voting beginning at 8am and continuing until 5pm.

A total of 526,973 registered voters are expected to participate in the election, choosing from among seven candidates vying for the seat.

Meanwhile, incidents of violation of election code of conduct have been reported in the constituency, as videos of people casting their votes have started being shared on social media. A voter shared his video of a stamped ballot paper in a polling booth as well as while casting his ballot.

Some voters even took pictures inside the polling booth with their mobile phones, while the administration said taking phones inside polling stations is banned.

Moreover, the administration even got a political party's camp removed that had been set up within 100 metres of polling station 241. Police said putting up camps is not allowed within 100 meters of polling stations. It asled the PTI to move its camp to another location.

This by-election is being held after the seat fell vacant due to the death of PTI MNA Mumtaz Mustafa back in August. The contest is mainly between Makhdoom Tahir Rashiduddin of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and Hassaan Mustafa from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).

A total of 301 polling stations have been set up for the election, comprising 88 polling stations for male voters, 88 for female voters, and 125 combined stations. Out of these, 62 polling stations have been declared sensitive, and special arrangements, including CCTV cameras, have been made to ensure the election is conducted peacefully.

To maintain law and order, Section 144 has been enforced in the constituency, prohibiting large gatherings and processions. Additionally, 2,700 police officers and personnel have been deployed for security, ensuring a peaceful election process.

Also Read: PTI MNA Mumtaz Mustafa passes away

The total number of registered male voters is 288,113, while female voters account for 238,860 in the constituency. With tensions high and competition fierce, voters will decide the political future of NA-171 today.

PTI MNA Mumtaz Mustafa had died of a heart attack on August 5. He was living in the Parliament Lodges where he died. Mumtaz Mustafa belonged to Rahim Yar Khan and was elected an MNA from the NA-171 constituency.

Doctors confirmed that the MNA died of a heart attack. "Mumtaz Mustafa had a heart attack at Parliament Lodges and was already dead by the time he reached the hospital," they said further.

PTI chief whip Malik Amir Dogar had attributed Mustafa's death to mental stress. He said the MNA was seriously injured in an accident but recovered, adding that Mumtaz Mustafa was among the 41 members who were living under mental stress.

Dogar further claimed that Mustafa had expressed fears that if he went to his constituency, he might be arrested. "He felt safer in Parliament Lodges," he added.