ISLAMABAD/LAHORE, PAKISTAN—
In a unique move, the Imran Khan assembly employed a computer-generated voice to deliver Khan’s “victory speech” on Friday, crediting it to the former Pakistani prime minister who was imprisoned.
The AI-generated message from Khan conveyed, “I offer my sincerest congratulations on your triumph in the 2024 election. I always harbored complete faith in your exercise of voting rights, and the remarkable voter turnout has astounded everyone.”
As per the official election outcomes on Thursday, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) clinched the most parliamentary seats, with individuals supporting Khan’s ideologies prevailing in the results.
On February 9, 20204, a banner showcasing Imran Khan, the former prime minister of Pakistan, embellished the front of his party’s headquarters in Islamabad.
Following a prolonged delay and amidst accusations of manipulation favoring military-backed factions, the election results gradually unfolded.
By Friday evening, the Election Commission of Pakistan had revealed the results for 242 out of the 266 open seats in the National Assembly. Despite encountering pre-election challenges, PTI-backed candidates secured 98 seats, surpassing all other competitors.
Nawaz Sharif, a three-time former prime minister, guided the Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N) to triumph in 61 seats, with the influential military showing favor towards Sharif.
Trailing behind the Pakistan Peoples Party, led by Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, which secured 52 seats, were smaller regional parties.
Independent candidate Malik Tariq Awan, surrounded by supporters, celebrated his victory in the parliamentary elections in Peshawar, Pakistan, on February 9, 2024.
Due to restrictions on revealing his identity and images, Khan’s address was exclusively broadcast on PTI’s social media platforms, with his party confirming Khan’s approval of the message.
Reports from various sources indicated that prior to the official results announcement, PTI was leading in 150 National Assembly constituencies. The 71-year-old legislator also asserted that they currently held a majority of over 170 seats in the National Assembly.
Amid global apprehensions regarding the fairness of the already contentious election, doubts arose following disruptions in internet and mobile services and sporadic incidents of violence.
Sharif, trailing PTI by 30 votes based on initial results, delivered his victory speech in Lahore, his hometown in the east, which was broadcast live on both public and private television channels.
Stating that PML-N emerged as the largest party in the nation, Sharif proposed the formation of a coalition government in Islamabad to tackle Pakistan’s current challenges, urging all political factions to unite.
Former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif addresses supporters in Lahore, Pakistan, on February 9, 2024, in response to the preliminary election results, announcing plans for a coalition government.
“Nawaz Sharif, the PMLN leader, has declared victory. According to Michael Kugelman, director of the South Asia Institute at the Wilson Center in Washington, PTI independents maintain their lead, but final results are pending.
Kugelman expressed concerns about the military’s involvement in the political process, favoring a specific party.
Discrepancies in Counts
Conflicting tallies from local media sources indicated PTI-supported candidates leading in national races by significant margins, while official results on Friday suggested PTI trailing or losing in some constituencies.
The Interior Ministry defended the suspension of cellular and online services on election day as a precautionary measure to safeguard the voting process, while the election commission attributed result delays to an “internet issue.”
Services were reinstated on Friday morning, with Interior Minister Gohar Ejaz addressing concerns in the capital, stating, “We anticipated criticism of the decision, but I would make the same choice again if necessary.”
Allegations of election manipulation by Pakistan’s military-backed interim government emerged following the service suspension, purportedly aimed at preventing an advantage for Khan’s supporters.
Asma Shirazi, a prominent prime-time talk show host, lamented the compromised integrity of the election on her Urdu-language Hum news network, highlighting the contentious nature of the results declaration.
According to Pakistan’s information and interior ministers, the election commission is the sole authority to address rigging allegations, with major political entities expressing general satisfaction with the results.
Accusations of Election Interference
Protests erupted in Shangla, where PTI supporters clashed with police over alleged election hacking, resulting in casualties and injuries among PTI members.
Similar demonstrations unfolded outside election offices in various parts of Pakistan led by PTI supporters.
The European Union urged Pakistani authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into alleged irregularities, expressing concerns over limitations on internet access, communication, and reported election meddling.
In Peshawar, Pakistan, on February 9, 20204, supporters of former Prime Minister Imran Khan protested the delayed parliamentary election by the Pakistan Election Commission.
The United States condemned restrictions on internet and communication access and voiced apprehensions over election interference allegations.
U.S. State Department official Mathew Miller emphasized the importance of reflecting the will of the Pakistani people through transparent and timely election outcomes, aligning with international and local observers’ observations of restricted freedoms during the electoral process.
With a significant portion of Pakistan’s mobile subscribers affected by the service suspension, many voters encountered difficulties accessing polling information, hindering their participation in the electoral process.
The suspension also impeded major Pakistani television networks from promptly reporting on alleged irregularities, underscoring the challenges faced during the election day.
