The 2024 Pakistani general elections were held on February 8, 2024, to elect members of the 16th National Assembly and the provincial assemblies of Pakistan. These elections were significant due to the political and economic challenges facing the country, as well as the intense competition between major political parties.
Here’s a detailed overview of the election:
Key Political Parties and Leaders
- Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) – PML-N: Led by Shehbaz Sharif (former Prime Minister).
- Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI): Led by Imran Khan (former Prime Minister, but imprisoned at the time of the election). PTI candidates contested as independents due to the party losing its electoral symbol (bat).
- Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP): Led by Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and Asif Ali Zardari.
- Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM): A key party in urban Sindh, particularly Karachi.
- Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F) – JUI-F: Led by Maulana Fazlur Rehman, with influence in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.
Major Issues in the Election
- Economic Crisis: High inflation, unemployment, and a struggling economy were central issues.
- Political Instability: Polarization between PTI and the establishment, as well as allegations of pre-poll rigging.
- Security Concerns: Terrorist attacks in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan raised concerns about voter safety.
- Internet and Communication Shutdowns: On election day, mobile and internet services were suspended in many areas, allegedly for security reasons.
Election Results
The results were highly contested, with delays in vote counting and allegations of rigging. Here’s a summary of the results:
National Assembly Results (Final Seat Distribution):
- Independent Candidates (mostly PTI-backed): Won the most seats (over 90).
- PML-N: Secured around 75 seats.
- PPP: Won around 50 seats.
- MQM: Won around 15 seats.
- Other Parties: Smaller parties and independents won the remaining seats.
Despite PTI-backed independents winning the most seats, they were unable to form a government due to the lack of a unified party platform. PML-N and PPP formed a coalition government with the support of smaller parties.
Key Outcomes
- Coalition Government: PML-N and PPP formed a coalition, with Shehbaz Sharif becoming Prime Minister for the second time.
- PTI’s Protests: PTI supporters protested across the country, alleging election rigging and manipulation.
- International Reaction: The election was closely watched by international observers, with concerns raised about fairness and transparency.
Controversies
- Allegations of Rigging: PTI and other parties accused the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) and the establishment of manipulating results.
- Internet Shutdown: The suspension of mobile and internet services on election day was criticized as an attempt to suppress voter turnout and transparency.
- Delayed Results: Results were delayed for over 24 hours, raising suspicions of tampering.
Provincial Assembly Results
- Punjab: PML-N emerged as the largest party.
- Sindh: PPP retained its dominance.
- Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: PTI-backed independents won the majority.
- Balochistan: A mix of nationalist parties, PML-N, and independents won seats.
Aftermath
The 2024 elections left Pakistan deeply divided, with ongoing protests and legal challenges from PTI. The coalition government faces significant challenges, including economic recovery, political stability, and addressing public discontent.
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