The people of Pakistan displayed loyalty and political support for Imran Khan by turning out in the majority to cast votes for PTI-nominated candidates. However, the caretaker government resorted to various forms of fraudulence during the compilation of results.
The election process, as laid down constitutionally in the election rules, is as follows:
Each independent candidate is assigned an election symbol, while nominated candidates of political parties use their party symbol. In this election, to hinder Imran Khan’s Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), its party symbol ‘cricket bat’ was stripped from PTI. Consequently, PTI nominated their candidate as an independent candidate. On February 8, 2024, election day, Imran Khan supporters turned out in record numbers to vote for PTI’s nominated candidates.
Supporters began queuing early in the morning with great discipline, eagerly awaiting the opening of polling booths at 8 AM. Reports emerged that many polling stations failed to open on time, and some faced internal issues, leading to delayed polling.
The election voting process was covered by national and international media live, with election observers witnessing the proceedings. Media reports indicated that Mr. Khan’s supporters were deeply emotional and excited to vote for him, demonstrating their loyalty and expressing their discontent with the brutality inflicted on them.
The international community must stand in solidarity with the people of Pakistan and demand accountability from the ruling authorities.
Voting ceased at 5 PM (on Feb 8), and the counting commenced. According to the rules, each candidate had an agent in the polling station to mark and tally votes. Election commission staff at each polling booth recorded the votes. At the close of voting, the staff compiled the number of votes for each candidate and prepared a summary on Form 45 under the........