If a comparison table released by the ECP is anything to go by, we as citizens of Pakistan appear to have become less inclined towards joining the path of lawmaking as compared to the previous election season.

Figures show that a total of 21,482 nomination papers were filed for the 2018 election, whereas the ECP received 28,302 applications from hopefuls for the 2013 poll. That points to a significant drop of 24.1% in election contenders.

On the upside, however, more women are vying for seats in assemblies this time around as the ECP has received 1,225 papers for the provincial legislatures from female candidates. Compare this to the figure for 2013: Only 821 women filed nomination papers for the provincial assemblies then.

It's also refreshing to see that the number of candidates from minorities has risen, with 471 nomination papers received for provincial assemblies this year versus 310 in the last election.

To compare the numbers (2013 vs 2018) province wise, see the ECP table below: