Pakistan’s National Election Faces Unusual Delays in Vote Count
Pakistan’s national election has faced unexpected delays in the vote count, causing frustration among voters and political parties. The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) issued a late-night warning to polling officers, urging them to release results immediately. The delay was attributed to an “internet issue,” according to Zafar Iqbal, the special secretary at the ECP.
Results from four national parliamentary seats were announced more than 12 hours after polling ended. Two seats were won by the party of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, while the other two were won by independent candidates. Earlier indications showed a surprising lead for the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), the party of jailed former prime minister Imran Khan.
The election had already been marred by militant attacks and the suspension of mobile phone services. As a result, there was no clear leader even hours after voting ended. Pakistan is currently grappling with rising militant violence and an economic crisis, making this election crucial for the country’s future.
The main contenders in the election are candidates backed by Imran Khan’s PTI and Nawaz Sharif’s Pakistan Muslim League. Analysts believe that Sharif is supported by the powerful military, adding another layer of complexity to the election. With counting continuing through the night, a clear picture of the results was expected to emerge early on Friday.
The slow arrival of projected results on local television channels raised concerns among voters. In previous elections, there was usually a clearer picture of which party had a substantial lead by midnight on election day. To address this issue, the Election Commission of Pakistan ordered all provincial election commissioners and returning officers to announce results within half an hour or face strict action.
The national assembly has 265 seats, and one seat’s polling was postponed due to the death of a candidate. A party needs 133 seats for a simple majority, but many analysts believe that the vote may not produce a clear winner. Nawaz Sharif dismissed the idea of a coalition government, emphasizing the importance of a clear majority for effective governance.
Despite heightened security measures, the election was marred by violence. Nine people, including two children, were killed in bomb blasts, grenade attacks, and shootings. Two explosions near electoral candidates’ offices in Balochistan claimed the lives of 26 people. The Islamic State later claimed responsibility for those attacks. However, authorities stated that the overall situation remained under control.
Imran Khan’s PTI party faced obstacles leading up to the election. Khan has been in jail since August and was unable to contest the election. His party was subjected to a crackdown, preventing its candidates from freely participating in the election. PTI leaders alleged that the suspension of mobile services was an attempt to suppress voter turnout, which was expected to benefit PTI.
The military’s campaign against Khan and the PTI raised concerns about the fairness of the election. Many believed that the military was trying to keep Khan from returning to power after their fallout in 2022. Despite these challenges, few expected PTI to be allowed to return to power.
The United States expressed concern about the restrictions on freedom of expression, particularly regarding internet and cellphone use during the election. The US strongly condemned election-related violence and called for a peaceful resolution.
Overall, Pakistan’s national election faced unusual delays in the vote count, raising questions about the transparency and efficiency of the process. The delay caused frustration among voters and political parties alike. As the results gradually emerged, it became clear that this election would have a significant impact on Pakistan’s future.
