Pakistan Election 2024: In a twist to Pakistan’s electoral narrative, independent candidates associated with the incarcerated former Prime Minister Imran Khan have taken an unexpected lead in early vote counts. Although Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) was prevented from running as a cohesive entity, preliminary tallies by local media outlets indicate a significant presence of PTI-linked independents leading in numerous constituencies.
By 9:00 am (0400 GMT) on Friday, more than 16 hours post the closure of polling stations, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) had released results for only 13 National Assembly seats. Among these, five had been secured by independent candidates aligned with PTI, four by the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), and four by the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP).
Analyst Perspectives and Party Reactions
The unexpected surge of independent candidates has disrupted earlier projections, prompting analysts like Sarah Khan from Yale University to remark on the unpredictability of the outcome. While PTI’s chief organizer Omar Ayub Khan expressed confidence in the potential of PTI-backed independents to form the next federal government, the PML-N and PPP also voiced optimism regarding their respective performances.
Marriyum Aurangzeb, spokesperson for PML-N, indicated the party’s hopes of securing the crucial province of Punjab, while PPP leader Bilawal Bhutto Zardari noted the early results were “very encouraging.”
Concerns and Allegations
The prolonged delay in announcing results has raised concerns among voters and experts alike. Questions regarding the integrity of the electoral process have intensified, with accusations of vote tampering and rigging gaining traction. The election commission attributed the delay to “internet problems” but assured a continuous flow of results thereafter.
The mobile phone network shutdown on voting day, ostensibly for security reasons, has further fueled suspicions of election manipulation. Digital rights activist Usama Khilji highlighted how such actions strengthen the perception of electoral interference by the deep state.
Voter Sentiments and Security Measures
Despite challenges, many voters remain committed to exercising their democratic rights. First-time voter Haleema Shafiq expressed her belief in the importance of voting for a safer Pakistan, particularly for women. However, concerns linger among voters like Syed Tassawar, who fears the integrity of his vote.
To ensure security during the election, over 650,000 army, paramilitary, and police personnel were deployed nationwide. While incidents of violence were reported, including attacks that claimed lives, the overall scale of violence was lower compared to previous elections.
Keep watching our YouTube Channel ‘DNP INDIA’. Also, please subscribe and follow us on FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, and TWITTER
