As the vote counting progressed for the recent Pakistan general elections, Imran Khan, the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), asserted his victory, highlighting the significant voter turnout as an expression of support for his party. Despite challenges, Khan stressed the resilience of the people’s will and called for the protection of ‘Form 45,’ the Statement of the Count by the Election Commission of Pakistan. Khan expressed confidence in his victory, stating, “no force can defeat an idea whose time has come.” He emphasized the importance of safeguarding the vote through Form 45.
‘Form 45,’ also known as the ‘Result of the Count’ form, is a critical document in the Pakistani electoral process aimed at ensuring transparency and accountability by recording and disclosing the voting outcomes at specific polling places. Khan shared a snapshot of ongoing trends, revealing PTI-backed independent candidates leading in 125 seats.
The general elections faced allegations of rigging and disruptions, including the shutdown of cellular and internet services. The voting process, which took place from 8 am to 5 pm, raised concerns about fairness, with reports of rigging and individuals being prevented from voting. The Federal Interior Ministry suspended mobile phone and internet services across Pakistan, leading to criticism from major political parties.
Incidents of voter suppression were reported, such as the complete ban on women voters in a village in Swabi district and a tragic blast near a polling station in Washbood Panjgur that resulted in the death of two children. PTI alleged irregularities in the NA-236 constituency and called for an extension of the voting time.
Political violence escalated before election day, with two blasts in Balochistan killing at least 30 people and injuring 40 others. Pakistan’s caretaker administration, led by Prime Minister Anwaar ul Haq Kakar, faced criticism for its failure to address economic challenges, adding complexity for the incoming administration as the IMF bailout agreement is set to expire in March. A recent World Bank report highlighted economic disparities, with Pakistan lagging behind peer countries amidst the economic crisis.