Predictability took a back seat as recent elections delivered a series of surprise victories and stunning outcomes. Here’s a glimpse into the unexpected twists and turns that left analysts scratching their heads:
Foreign Policy—Angry Young Pakistanis Give Imran Khan a Future Shot at Power
Independent candidates affiliated with Khan’s party, who took 93 out of a total of 295 national seats and won one province outright, were denied the majority that they insist they won and may be excluded from government, but the vote represents a momentous development. A new generation of voters has emerged—concentrated in Pakistan’s heaving towns and cities—who now demand a break with history. These voters want to have the power to choose their own leaders, not leave the country in the hands of the powerful military that has maintained a granitic grip on politics for most of its history.
Dawn —US wants Pakistan to probe election irregularities
The United States said on Monday Pakistan should hold an independent investigation into the claims of election irregularities through its legal system.
The Guardian — The Observer view on Pakistan voters’ rejection of military rule: a victory for democracy
“Attempts to ignore Khan and his supporters may trigger further unrest and instability. That is the opposite of what the country needs. At a time in history when the integrity of democracy in India and Bangladesh also faces serious questions, Pakistanis should take a moment to celebrate the voter revolt of 2024.”
Bloomberg — Imran Khan’s candidates defy odds to thrive in Pakistan election
“The independents’ strong performance points to Khan’s enduring popularity among the nation’s 129 million registered voters, many of whom are struggling to make ends meet amid the fastest inflation in Asia. It also highlights public disillusionment with the status quo of Pakistani politics, represented by the parties of the Sharif and Bhutto clans.”
The New York Times — Shocking opposition victory throws Pakistan into chaos
“The success of Mr Khan’s party upended the decades-old political playbook governing Pakistan, a nuclear-armed nation of 240 million. Throughout those years, the military has wielded ultimate authority, guiding its politics behind a veil of secrecy, and civilian leaders have typically risen to power only with its support — or been driven from office by its heavy hand.”
The Independent — Pakistan election credibility already marred by internet blackout and slow count amid anxious wait for results
“But whoever ends up winning the election, the way it was conducted will guarantee recriminations over the validity of the result, and serves as a bleak reminder of the power still held by the country’s military establishment to try and interfere with its democratic processes.”
Sky News — Pakistan is in political limbo after election upset – so what’s next?
“To me, the PPP’s Bilawal Bhutto Zardari could well be the kingmaker. His centrist party will need to decide if it’s the status quo of Sharif they want to get behind or the more radical agenda of the independents. What is clear is the military has taken a hit this election. For the first time ever, they appeared to back a candidate at odds with the political winds of the rest of the country.”
Time Magazine — Pakistan’s military used every trick to sideline Imran Khan—and failed. Now what?
“[…] the question remains how PTI supporters will react to their disenfranchisement, not least given the grim state of the economy. On May 9, PTI supporters ransacked military premises in response to an earlier, fleeting arrest of Khan. He may remain behind bars, but Thursday’s election shows the sporting icon is far from done as a political force.”
France 24 — The ‘generals’ elections’ in Pakistan that turned against the military
“The country’s real power-wielder, however, was not on the ballot paper, and Pakistanis were never given a symbol or say on the issue. The 2024 general election was dubbed the most rigged in Pakistan’s history, with wags on social media calling it the ‘generals’ election’, referring to the all-powerful military in the nuclear-armed South Asian nation.”
India Today — Jailed Imran Khan steals the show, time for Army to introspect?
“While hobnobbing and cobbling up an alliance to suit the establishment must already be underway, any government by ‘selection’ is not acceptable anymore to the people of Pakistan. Should the government formation look different from the mandate of the people, expect chaos in the streets of Pakistan.”
CNBC — Pakistan’s ex-PM Nawaz Sharif declares victory in fraught election as opponents claim vote-rigging
“The election, voting for which began the morning of Feb 8, comes at an especially turbulent time for the country of 240 million. Known for its decades of volatile politics involving assassinations, imprisonments and military coups, Pakistan is now in the throes of an economic crisis and its largest party has been banned from running in the election.”
Financial Times — Imran Khan loyalists win shock victory in Pakistan election
“Many voters, particularly young people swept up by Khan’s promises for a ‘new Pakistan’, were dismayed by the thought of another term under the Sharif dynasty — Nawaz’s brother Shehbaz served as prime minister last year.”
CBC News — Imran Khan’s party defied the odds in Pakistan election with strong showing
“A stock response after an election, according to Hasan Askari Rizvi, a Lahore-based military analyst who wrote a book about the army’s role in Pakistani politics. He said the open question is whether the country’s military, used to being the ultimate authority in Pakistan, is willing to accept the message that was sent from the electorate, who came out in large numbers to cast their ballots for Khan.”
Guardian–‘Harassed constantly’: Imran Khan’s party fights state pressure in Pakistan election
PTI turns to virtual rallies and AI-generated speeches from jailed leader after alleged intimidation and curbs on campaigning
Reuters —Pakistan may face more economic misery if election result unclear
The possibility of a political stalemate in Pakistan leading to delays in both reforms and crucial foreign funding has sparked a selloff in its international bonds and fuelled analysts’ fears of further economic misery for the country.
France 24 —After election thriller, will Pakistan’s powerful military consider rehabilitation of revered Khan?
The nuclear-armed South Asian nation voted on Thursday in a general election, as the country struggles to recover from an economic crisis and battles militant violence in a deeply polarised political environment.
CNN –Pakistan’s youth deliver stinging rebuke to military elite by backing jailed leader Khan
It is a stunning victory for an incarcerated Khan who, two years ago faced a dramatic ouster as prime minister and most recently faced a military-led crackdown analysts say was designed to thwart the cricket icon’s return to power.
Time —Pakistan’s Military Used Every Trick to Sideline Imran Khan—and Failed. Now What?
Sharif is the preferred candidate of Pakistan’s powerful military, which, despite backing his ouster thrice in the past, recently allowed the 74-year-old back from exile in the U.K., quashed his corruption conviction, and repealed his lifetime ban from politics. Sharif’s speedy rehabilitation stood in stark contrast to the generals’ Khan-and-PTI purge.
February 14, 2024
Sources: mentioned above