Over 125 Seats Taken by Independent Candidates Associated with Jailed Ex-PM Imran Khan in Pakistan's Election
- Posted on February 9, 2024
- Business
- By Arijit Dutta
- 183 Views
The ongoing Pakistan general election witnesses independent candidates, closely linked to jailed ex-PM Imran Khan, leading in over 125 seats. Amidst sporadic violence and connectivity issues, the counting of votes is in progress. A significant political shift is observed as independent leaders gain momentum.
The
ongoing Pakistan
general election is witnessing a significant upheaval, with independent
candidates emerging as formidable contenders, allegedly linked to the
incarcerated former Prime Minister Imran Khan. As the nation eagerly awaits the
final outcome, these independents have surged ahead in over 125 seats,
indicating a substantial shift in the political landscape.
The
election process, however, has not been devoid of challenges. Sporadic violence
has marred certain regions, reflecting the tensions surrounding the electoral
process. Additionally, technical disruptions, including the suspension of
mobile and internet services by the government, have added complexity to an
already intense situation. These measures were implemented to thwart suspected
terror attacks, underscoring the security concerns prevalent during the polling
period.
Despite
these obstacles, the electoral process commenced smoothly on Thursday, with
polling stations opening at 8 AM and operating continuously until 5 PM.
Recognizing the significance of the occasion, a countrywide public holiday was
declared to facilitate the participation of the vast electorate, estimated to
be more than 12 crore voters. However, the exact voter turnout percentage
remains undisclosed at this juncture.
As
the day progressed, individual polling stations began reporting their
respective results. Nevertheless, it is anticipated that a comprehensive
outcome for any given constituency may take some time to materialize. The
complexity of the electoral process is evident, with 266 National Assembly
seats up for grabs out of a total of 336. The electoral landscape faced a
setback in one constituency where polling was postponed due to a tragic gun
attack on a candidate in Bajaur.
In addition to the contested seats, there are also 60 reserved seats for women and 10 for minorities, allocated based on proportional representation to the winning parties. This allocation underscores the commitment to inclusivity within the Pakistani political framework.
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For
any party aspiring to form the next government, securing a minimum of 133 seats
out of the 265 contested is imperative. The current electoral dynamics suggest
a notable surge in independent candidates, challenging the traditional
political paradigm. Furthermore, the shadow of Imran Khan's legacy looms large
over the proceedings, indicating his enduring influence on Pakistani politics.
As
the nation awaits the final verdict, the outcome of this election is poised to
shape the trajectory of Pakistan's political future. The results will not only
determine the composition of the next government but also reflect the evolving
aspirations and priorities of the Pakistani electorate.