274 election-related violence incidents, including 5 killings, reported in 45 days: CA Press Wing
According to the release, between 12 December last year and 1 February this year there were 16 cases of election-related intimidation or aggressive behaviour, 15 attacks on candidates and five murders.
A total of 274 incidents of violence have been reported across the country over the past one and a half months in connection with the 13th national parliamentary election, including five killings and 15 attacks on candidates.
The statistics were disclosed in a press release issued by the Chief Adviser's Press Wing today (2 February).
According to the release, between 12 December last year and 1 February this year there were 16 cases of election-related intimidation or aggressive behaviour, 15 attacks on candidates and five murders.
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The clashes between rival supporters accounted for 89 incidents, with three cases involving illegal firearms, alongside nine incidents of threats and intimidation and 29 cases of obstruction to election campaigning, it added.
The press release further noted 20 incidents of attacks, vandalism and arson targeting election-related offices and institutions, 17 incidents of blockades and protests, one attack on minorities and 70 other incidents classified under miscellaneous categories.
The press wing also shared comparative data from previous parliamentary elections.
During the one-month period surrounding the 12th national election in 2024 (21 December 2023 to 10 January 2024), a total of 534 incidents of violence were recorded, leaving 460 people injured and six killed, it said, adding that this period saw 102 cases of vandalism, 118 incidents of arson and 30 cases involving crude bomb or petrol bomb explosions and gunfire.
According to the press wing, 414 violent incidents were reported over 22 days (10 December 2018 to 2 January 2019) ahead of the 11th national election in 2018, leaving 780 injured and 22 dead, with 234 cases of vandalism, 155 arson attacks and 143 incidents involving explosions or gunfire.
In the run-up to the 10th national election in 2014, 530 incidents of violence were recorded over 12 days (22 December 2013 to 4 January 2014), leaving 315 people injured and 115 killed.
However, the press wing said it could not provide a detailed breakdown of vandalism, arson or explosive-related incidents for that period.
