Islamabad, Pakistan
CNN
—
Vote counting in Pakistan’s general election has faced unforeseen setbacks after millions voted, with long-standing dynasties competing for power while the country’s influential former leader remains incarcerated. No results were released as of early Friday morning, over 12 hours after the polls closed. The Pakistan Election Commission instructed for immediate results declaration.
The highly anticipated election, already postponed for months, comes as the nation of 220 million confronts mounting challenges, including economic uncertainty, recurring militant attacks, and climate crises affecting the most vulnerable. In Islamabad, police enforced a ban on gatherings as vote counting continued, imposing Section 144, prohibiting gatherings of more than four people and warning of legal action for any disturbance.
Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) candidate for prime minister, expressed optimism late Thursday, stating that “initial results are very encouraging.” The party of imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan accused authorities of delaying results to manipulate the vote, while claiming to be leading in 114 constituencies across the country.
Pakistan’s National Assembly consists of 336 seats, with 266 determined through direct polling on election day. The turmoil unfolded after mobile internet services were suspended for over 12 hours due to Interior Ministry directives. Additionally, violence marred multiple districts leading up to the election.
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Gutteres urged for a “calm atmosphere” as votes were being counted, expressing concern over reports of violence, casualties, and the suspension of mobile communication services. Gutteres also encouraged political leaders and society to maintain calm and refrain from actions that could escalate tensions.
The election season was marked by heightened political violence, including twin blasts in Balochistan province claiming 30 lives, with the Pakistan Armed Forces reporting 51 terrorist attacks and deploying 650,000 security personnel nationwide to ensure voter safety. In the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, Taliban militants reportedly took over polling stations, issuing threats and creating unrest.
The Interior Ministry announced the temporary suspension of mobile internet services during the elections to maintain law and order due to terrorism incidents. However, some activists accused authorities of political censorship, stating that internet access during elections is essential for live reporting of irregularities and potential rigging.
The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and Amnesty International condemned the suspension of internet and cellular services. As a security measure, Pakistan also closed its border crossings with Iran and Afghanistan, while political tensions rose amid allegations of military interference, denied by the military.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), Volker Türk, urged for a “fully free and fair vote,” emphasizing the importance of elections in reaffirming the country’s commitment to human rights and democracy, including the participation of all people, particularly women and minorities.
Analysts criticized the credibility of the vote, alleging pre-poll rigging and a crackdown on the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party. Former cricket star and PTI leader Imran Khan, 71, who was disqualified from contesting, remains imprisoned and banned from using the party’s cricket bat symbol on ballots. Additionally, television stations are prohibited from airing Khan’s speeches.
Nawaz Sharif, a veteran politician, and opponent of Khan, who is seeking a historic fourth term as leader, remains widely popular in Punjab province. He faces competition from Bhutto Zardari, the 35-year-old son of the late Benazir Bhutto, aiming to revive the Pakistan People’s Party as a significant political influence.
