Elections:
Elections are a fundamental pillar of a country, serving as a vehicle for political participation, accountability and change. In fact, elections are a formal and organized choice by votes of people for their selective politicians. The act of voting allows individuals to express their preferences and influence the direction of government policies. They are the basic mechanism for promoting democracy in a state. According to constitution 1973, Islamic Republic of Pakistan is a democratic country. Which allows its masses to cast votes for their favorite political party.
Pak Election 2024:
The Election Commission of Pakistan conducted the 2024 elections for the 16th National Assembly on 8th February. Numerous political parties and independent candidates participated in this electoral process. The Election Commission of Pakistan had previously released a comprehensive schedule for the election in December 2023. The two prominent parties in this election were Pakistan Muslim League N (PML-N) and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP). Former Prime Ministers of Pakistan, Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif and Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, head PML-N. While PPP is led by Bilawal Bhutto, the son of Asif Ali Zardari.
Following the dissolution of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), its members were compelled to run as independent candidates due to a directive from the Supreme Court of Pakistan. The Supreme Court of Pakistan had revoked their electoral symbol (bat) and imposed a ban on the former Chairman of PTI, Imran Khan Niazi, from participating in politics for the next five years in relation to the Tosha Khana case and the incident of 9th May. Despite these challenges, PTI remained a significant political force.
Results and Rigging:
The outcome of this election is somewhat of a hybrid and perplexing nature. It is unprecedented in the history of Pakistan to witness such a significant number of independent candidates securing seats in the Federal. However, the perceived integrity and impartiality of both the Election Commission and the Military are not concealed from the public eye. It is difficult to fathom how the votes for Yasmin Rashid, an independent candidate affiliated with PTI, drastically declined overnight. It is evident to all that a meticulously planned conspiracy and manipulation took place to ensure the victory of Nawaz Sharif. Through rigging and military support, PML-N managed to secure over 135 seats.
PTI and a significant number of Pakistanis, along with many foreigners, alleged that the military had interfered in the election. Various media channels and international sources accused the military of manipulating the elections in favor of PML-N and to a lesser extent PPP.
Now, the Prime Minister of Pakistan is Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif (belongs to PML-N). And the President of Pakistan is Asif Ali Zardari (belongs to PPP).
