Imran Khan’s party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), faced challenges leading up to the elections, as the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) excluded it as a bloc. Consequently, PTI strategically shifted its support towards independent candidates. Despite the prolonged closure of polling stations and the limited release of results by the ECP, PTI remains confident in the performance of its endorsed candidates.
Omar Ayub Khan, PTI’s chief organizer, stated in a video message that the independent candidates backed by the party could potentially secure a two-thirds majority to form the next federal government. However, the delayed announcement of results, attributed to “internet problems” by the ECP, has fueled speculation and raised concerns about possible irregularities in the electoral process.
Implications for Imran Khan and PTI
The recent imprisonment of Imran Khan has further complicated PTI’s political landscape. With a ten-year ban on holding public office, Imran Khan faces political isolation until 2034. His absence has left PTI in disarray, with key allies either imprisoned or avoiding arrest, resulting in a weakened party structure.
The court ruling that deprived PTI of its traditional electoral symbol, a cricket bat, along with the candidacy of independent candidates, has added another layer of complexity to PTI’s predicament. Currently, PTI is led by a relatively unknown figure, Gohar Ali Khan.
Potential Scenarios If PTI-Backed Candidates Secure Majority
Independent candidates supported by PTI may unite under a single banner to form the new government. Alternatively, they may seek coalition arrangements with other political parties. The prospective government could pursue legal avenues to reverse Imran Khan’s jail sentences and the ban on holding public office. Additionally, efforts could be made to challenge the ECP’s decision regarding Imran Khan’s eligibility to participate in future elections.
Implications for Pakistan’s Political Landscape
The specter of electoral rigging has overshadowed the election process, casting doubts on its integrity. The suspension of the country’s mobile phone network on voting day, ostensibly for security reasons, has further fueled concerns about potential manipulation. PTI’s secretary for information, Roof Hassan, has raised suspicions of result tampering based on reports from party agents in the field.
The unexpected success of independent candidates, many of whom were endorsed by PTI, raises uncertainties about the formation of the next government. With PTI unable to contest as a unified entity, the likelihood of a coalition government looms large.
Political analysts had anticipated the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) to emerge as the frontrunner, given its perceived support from the military-led establishment. However, early indications suggest a lackluster performance by PML-N, with both Nawaz Sharif and his brother Shehbaz trailing in key constituencies.
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