An acute gender gap has been identified as the primary reason for Chaman’s significantly lower voter registration rate, which stands at 43% of its estimated 2025 population, trailing 11 percentage points behind the national average of 54%. The district records 57,784 fewer registered female voters compared to males, indicating genuine non-registration among women.
According to a report by Free and Fair Election Network today, these figures are derived from district-wise electoral roll statistics released by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on 30 December 2025. They have been cross-referenced against population estimates from the 2023 Digital Census. The 2025 population projection was calculated by applying a 1.18% inter-censal annual growth rate to Chaman’s 2023 census base population of 466,218, resulting in an estimated 477,286 residents. Registration rates were then determined by dividing the number of registered voters by this estimated populace.
Chaman currently has 206,922 registered voters. This comprises 132,353 males, accounting for 64.0% of the electorate, and 74,569 females, representing 36.0%.
Breaking down the figures by gender, 49% of the estimated male population is registered to vote, while only 36% of the estimated female population has enrolled on the electoral roll.
Nationally, Chaman ranks 105th out of 136 districts by population size and 106th by voter registration rate. Within Balochistan, it stands at 11th among 34 districts. The district is covered by one National Assembly seat, which it shares with an adjoining district.
The pronounced disparity between genders is the principal factor contributing to Chaman’s below-average registration rate. Unlike the census enumeration effect that impacts registration ratios in major cities, the shortfall in Chaman reflects a genuine lack of enrolment. Women counted in the 2023 census as residents are not correspondingly represented on the electoral roll.
Key systemic obstacles to female registration include restricted mobility, lower penetration of Computerised National Identity Cards (CNICs) among women, and social constraints on civic participation.
To address this significant imbalance before the next general elections, the deployment of mobile NADRA units and sustained ECP outreach through established community networks in Chaman are considered essential.