Following Thursday's elections in Pakistan, the United States, Britain, and the European Union have voiced separate concerns about the electoral process and urged a thorough investigation into alleged irregularities.
Thе hеad of Pakistan's Army has congratulatеd thе country on holding succеssful еlеctions saying that 'stablе lеadеrship' is nеcеssary to put an еnd to chaos and division. Though thеrе hasn't bееn a clеar winnеr yеt and thе rеsults havе bееn announcеd latеr than usual; thеrе havе bееn rumours of votе tampеring.
Image source: Al Jazeera
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Sharif and Khan Declare Victory Amid Electoral Tensions
Imran Khan, thе lеadеr of Pakistan Tеhrееk-е-Insaf(PTI) and Nawaz Sharif, thе lеadеr of thе Pakistan Muslim Lеaguе Nawaz (PMLN) and havе both dеclarеd victory; howеvеr and sincе nеithеr party was ablе to sеcurе a majority and thе country facеs a dividеd mandatе. To crеatе a coalition govеrnmеnt and Sharif's party is now in nеgotiations with thе Pakistan Pеoplе's Party (PPP). Thе futurе primе ministеr must rеcеivе a simplе majority of votеs in thе National Assеmbly, which was rеquirеd for thе еlеctions hеld on Fеbruary 8.
The electoral battle primarily unfolded between former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's party and candidates supported by ex-Prime Minister Imran Khan, both claiming victory independently. Elections were held for 265 seats in the national assembly, with a simple majority requiring 133 seats.
Allegations of Interference Spark International Response
Both the U.S. and the EU raised concerns about reported interference, including the arrests of activists. They emphasized the need for a comprehensive investigation into claims of irregularities, interference, and fraud.
Political Landscape: Khan in Jail, PTI Barred from Polls
Imran Khan, currently in jail, saw his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party barred from participating in the polls. Independents, mainly backed by Khan, secured the most seats – 98 out of 245 counted by 1830 GMT. In contrast, Sharif's Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) party won 69 seats.
🧵 Thread highlighing the National Assembly constituencies won by PTI’s nominated candidates, as per the data received in Form 45s.
Form 45s are the primary source of election results at the lowest level.
The votes for each candidate are tabulated at each polling station on the…— PTI (@PTIofficial) February 9, 2024
Controversy Surrounds Military Involvement
Khan alleges that the powerful military is orchestrating a crackdown to eliminate his party, while analysts and opponents argue that Sharif enjoys support from the military.
International Observers Note Challenges in the Electoral Process
The EU statement highlighted a "lack of a level playing field," attributing it to the inability of some political actors to participate fully in the elections and restrictions on freedom of assembly, expression, and internet access. The U.S. State Department cited "undue restrictions" on freedom of expression and assembly, alongside violence and attacks on media workers.
Concerns Echo in the U.S. Congress
U.S. lawmakers, including Democratic Representatives Ro Khanna and Ilhan Omar, expressed concerns over alleged military interference and rigging of results. They urged the State Department to withhold recognition until thorough investigations into misconduct allegations are conducted.
I am deeply troubled by reports of interference in this week's election in Pakistan. The legitimacy of any incoming government rests on fair elections, free of manipulation, intimidation, or fraud. The Pakistani people deserve nothing less than a transparent democratic process…— Rep. Ilhan Omar (@Ilhan) February 9, 2024
Global Call for Fairness and Inclusivity
Earlier this week, the UN human rights office condemned violence against political parties and candidates in Pakistan. The EU, U.S., and Britain stated their intention to work with the next government but refrained from congratulating any candidate or party.
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British Foreign Minister Highlights Serious Concerns
British Foreign Minister David Cameron expressed serious concerns
about the fairness and inclusivity of the elections, echoing the sentiments of the international community.
Legal Challenges Against Khan
Multiple legal cases have been brought against Imran Khan, disqualifying him as a candidate and resulting in lengthy prison terms. Khan denies any wrongdoing.
Historical Context: Khan Ousted in 2022 Amid Military Dispute
Imran Khan was ousted in 2022 following a falling out with the country's powerful military, which denies meddling in politics. His party had previously won the national election in 2018.
For more on this, have a read: Ex-Pakistan PM Imran Khan And Wife Sentenced 14 Year In Prison For Corruption
Media Sources: Multiple agencies
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