The Pakistan poll saga

February 14, 2024

NEW DELHI – In the theatre of Pakistani politics, last week’s election has unfolded as a perplexing drama, leaving citizens and global observers questioning the trajectory of the country’s democratic journey. Once deemed a shoo-in for former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, the political landscape has shifted unexpectedly, revealing a nuanced narrative of defiance and discontent. Initially, Sharif’s confidence in becoming Pakistan’s next Prime Minister seemed justified. His party boldly declared victory in major newspapers, asserting the unwavering support of the powerful military. However, this air of certainty quickly dissipated as early results challenged the established narrative. His rival, jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s PTI-backed independent candidates, despite facing myriad obstacles, emerged with surprising strength, securing 93 of the 264 Parliamentary seats.

The slow pace of result announcements fuelled suspicions of interference, raising questions about the military’s role in shaping the political landscape. The anticipation of a clear victory for Mr Sharif transformed into a scenario of a hung Parliament or intricate coalition negotiations, defying expectations and underscoring the populace’s unwillingness to conform to established norms. The military’s attempts to side-line Mr Khan by imprisoning him and restricting his party’s participation did not yield the expected outcomes. The PTI’s decision to contest as independents showcased resilience, and highlighted the voters’ dissatisfaction with traditional political manoeuvring. Despite facing intimidation, Mr Khan’s supporters rallied, and the results indicate a clear message from the people. They refuse to be dictated to and demand