Islamabad: As vote counting concludes in Pakistan, independents, largely supported by jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, lead in 101 of the 264 seats, according to the Election Commission's website. Amid protests by PTI and other parties alleging rigging during the general elections, the Election Commission has ordered re-polling in some polling stations scheduled for February 15.
Pakistan, with a population of 241 million, voted on February 8 in a general election amidst economic crisis and terrorism in a deeply divided political landscape. The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has announced results for 264 out of 265 contested seats. PTI chairman Gohar Ali Khan, also Imran Khan's lawyer, stated that "all institutions" in Pakistan should respect the people's mandate. He claimed his party would be invited by President Arif Alvi to form the government, adding that Imran Khan, despite being in prison, would decide the country's next Prime Minister. He further warned of peaceful protests if election results were not released by Saturday night.
According to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), independent candidates backed by PTI have surprisingly won over 100 seats, surpassing Sharif's PML-N, which secured 72 seats. The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), led by Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, won 54 seats, mostly in Sindh. Other smaller parties secured a combined 27 seats, with potential implications for coalition government formation. Results for some seats in the 266-member National Assembly are yet to be declared, more than 48 hours after polling ended. Counting has been hindered by technical glitches, internet disruptions, and sporadic terrorist attacks.
Former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif claimed victory for PML-N, acknowledging the need for coalition government formation due to insufficient numbers. Imran Khan also asserted victory, expressing readiness to form a government. Imran Khan's PTI faced electoral symbol restrictions and supporters ran as independents. However, under Pakistan's electoral laws, independents cannot form a government and must join a party to do so. In his victory speech via AI-generated video and audio message, Imran Khan thanked voters and criticized Sharif, terming the latter's plans as unsuccessful.
President Arif Alvi advocated for electronic voting machines (EVMs) to avert uncertainty and ensure transparency in future elections. PTI, PPP, and PML-N have filed petitions alleging rigging in various constituencies. Pakistan Army Chief Syed Asim Munir praised the election's conduct, emphasizing the need for stability amidst political polarization.International stakeholders including the US, UK, and EU expressed concerns over rigging allegations, urging thorough investigations and a democratic process. To form a government, a party must secure 133 seats out of 265 in the National Assembly, with one seat postponed due to a candidate's death. Overall, 169 seats are required for a simple majority out of a total of 336, including reserved slots for women and minorities.
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