Vote counting is underway in Pakistan following the general election on Thursday, marked by the suspension of mobile phone services and violent unrest.
The release of results has been slow, prompting election officials to urge local authorities to expedite the process. Imran Khan’s disqualified and jailed party claims the delay indicates vote-rigging. Unofficial TV channel results suggest Khan’s allies are leading.
Disqualified last year on corruption charges, Khan couldn’t stand in the election. His party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), had to field candidates as independents, challenging Nawaz Sharif’s party. Sharif’s brother, Shehbaz, replaced Khan two years ago.
With 128 million registered voters, nearly half under 35, and over 5,000 candidates (313 women) for 266 directly elected seats, economic challenges and rising violence have affected millions.
Projected results are unusually slow, attributed by the Election Commission of Pakistan to an “internet issue.” Despite the delay, PTI leaders claim victory based on early returns, while Bilawal Bhutto Zardari of the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) finds early results encouraging.
The government suspended mobile services due to attacks disrupting the vote, leaving at least nine dead, according to the military. Internet blackout affected voters’ ability to reach polling stations and coordinate, with critics calling it a “cowardly act.”
While violence was limited on voting day, isolated incidents occurred, including a bomb attack killing four police officials in Dera Ismail Khan. Bomb attacks on candidates’ offices in Balochistan killed 28 on Wednesday.
PML-N and PPP were major contenders, but identifying PTI-backed candidates was challenging due to a symbol ban. PTI alleges various tactics to hinder their candidates, including arrests, rallies bans, and symbol changes.
Imran Khan, serving a minimum 14-year prison term, alleges military interference. Despite his imprisonment, voters could choose Nawaz Sharif, whose lifetime ban was overturned, enabling him to seek a record fourth term.
