Chaman’s voter registration rate stands at 43% of its estimated 2025 population — 11 percentage points below the national ratio of 54%.

Methodology

These figures are drawn from district-wise electoral roll statistics released by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on 30 December 2025. They are cross-referenced against population estimates derived from the 2023 Digital Census. The 2025 population estimate applies the 1.18% inter-censal annual growth rate to Chaman’s census base population of 466,218, yielding an estimated 2025 population of 477,286. Registration rates are calculated by dividing the number of registered voters by this estimated population.

Voter registration in Chaman

The district has 206,922 registered voters — 132,353 males (64.0%) and 74,569 females (36.0%). Among males, 49% of the estimated population is registered; among females, 36%. Chaman ranks 105th out of 136 districts nationally by population size and is covered by one shared National Assembly seat (split with an adjoining district).

By voter registration rate, Chaman ranks 106th nationally and 11th of 34 within Balochistan.

Why registration trails the national ratio

An acute gender gap is the primary driver of Chaman’s below-average registration rate. Female voters account for 36.0% of the registered electorate — 57,784 fewer than male voters. Women’s registration stands at 36% of the estimated female population, against a male rate of 49%.

Unlike the census enumeration effect that explains the below-average ratio in major cities, Chaman’s gap reflects genuine non-registration. Women counted in the 2023 census as residents of Chaman are not correspondingly represented on the electoral roll.

Restricted mobility, lower female CNIC penetration, and social constraints on civic participation are the principal structural barriers. Mobile NADRA units and sustained ECP outreach through community networks in Chaman are essential to reduce this gap before the next general elections.

This post is part of FAFEN’s series on voter vs population ratio. Read more of this series here.