Political parties vying for young voters’ support

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PTI Chairman Imran Khan addressing a gathering in Swat on March 31, 2013. (insaf.pk)
Read more: http://www.upi.com/UPI-Next/2013/05/01/Pakistan-political-parties-vying-for-young-voters-support/91364590332540/#ixzz3NxZXLlnF

PESHAWAR,  May 1, 2013 (MUHAMMAD ARIF SHAFI / UPI Next) — With landmark elections set for May 11, Pakistani political parties are working to attract the large number of young voters, those between 18 and 25, who now make up almost 20 percent of registered voters.

Former cricket star Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaf party has massive youth support.

The Election Commission of Pakistan says there were almost 81 million registered voters in the country’s last election, in 2008, and more than 5 million new voters between the ages of 18 and 25 were added to the list this year.

This is enough to change an election. In 2008 the Pakistan People’s Party received more than 10 million votes, leading the ruling coalition. A party attracting the 17 million youth votes would have a powerful position after this month’s election.

Young Pakistanis interviewed showed an interest in political participation.

Samiullah Khan, 22, is a student at Peshawar’s University of Engineering and Technology, and an active PTI member.

via Pakistan political parties vying for young voters’ support – UPI.com.

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