In a dramatic turn of events, preliminary results from the elections in Pakistan on Thursday indicate that independent candidates affiliated with Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party may secure a plurality of legislative seats, despite various irregularities aimed at hindering such an outcome. The PTI faced challenges such as a ban on its cricket-bat logo and a nationwide cellphone network suspension on polling day, hindering communication with supporters. Despite these issues, the PTI emerged neck and neck with the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP).
The government’s blackout of cellphone networks, exit poll bans, and alleged rigging during the elections have fueled concerns about the fairness of the process. Zulfi Bukhari, a former Minister of State under Khan, criticized the level of rigging, emphasizing the need for transparency in the electoral process.
The PTI’s competition with the PML-N, the preferred candidate of Pakistan’s military, adds complexity to the political landscape. The military, despite supporting Sharif’s removal in the past, recently allowed his return from exile, revoked his corruption conviction, and lifted his lifetime ban from politics. This contrasts with the military’s actions against Khan and the PTI.
Maya Tudor, an associate professor at Oxford University, notes that the military’s overt targeting of the PTI is unique this time. The PTI, with grassroots support and technological savvy, faces challenges due to its confrontation with the military.
Despite the PTI’s potential plurality of legislative seats, forming a government presents several obstacles. Since its lawmakers are officially independents, they are not obligated to vote along party lines for key appointments, raising the possibility of coerced defections. The PTI is also ineligible for the National Assembly’s reserved seats for women and minorities, and Imran Khan’s imprisonment prevents him from standing as a lawmaker.
The strength of the PTI’s showing, despite challenges and irregularities, sends a message to Pakistan’s military. The military’s previous backing of Khan and his subsequent ouster in 2022 created tensions, leading to Khan surviving an assassination attempt and facing numerous legal challenges. Khan’s popularity, especially among young Pakistanis, remained strong ahead of the vote.
As Pakistan awaits the full election results, concerns arise about potential horse-trading and a power vacuum. The country, grappling with economic challenges, high inflation, and border tensions, requires stability. Pakistan’s military’s goal to keep the PTI out of power raises questions about PTI supporters’ reactions and the overall political landscape. The PTI’s base, facing disenfranchisement, could become more aggrieved, posing challenges for the incoming government to address economic recovery and other pressing issues.
