Pakistan Election 2024
As Pakistan heads to the polls, mobile services have been temporarily halted across the country. This move, according to an interior ministry spokesperson, is due to recent terrorist activities, emphasizing the need for heightened security during the elections.
The current election follows the removal of former Prime Minister Imran Khan almost two years ago. Analysts view this election as one of the least credible in Pakistan's history, with former PM Nawaz Sharif standing for candidacy.
While calls and data services are suspended, WiFi connections remain operational. The interior ministry spokesperson justified the shutdown, citing recent terrorist attacks that claimed lives, necessitating stringent security measures.
The election is marked by strict regulations regarding campaign coverage and candidate discussions, in place until the voting concludes at 1700 local time (1200 GMT). Over 128 million registered voters, nearly half under 35, are eligible to cast their ballots, with 5,000 candidates vying for 336 seats, only 313 of whom are women.
Major parties include the Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) (PML-N) and the Pakistan People's Party (PPP). However, identifying candidates from Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party has become challenging after the ban on their cricket bat symbol.
Khan, barred from standing due to corruption charges, faces imprisonment. Allegations of military interference swirl, complicating the electoral landscape. Meanwhile, Nawaz Sharif, previously ousted twice, stands for a potential record fourth term, buoyed by recent legal developments.
Economic hardships and rising violence loom large in voters' concerns. Inflation and struggling livelihoods, exacerbated by past floods, add urgency to the electoral discourse. Violence, including attacks on candidates, underscores the volatility of the political landscape.
Security measures are ramped up, with border closures and deployment of military personnel to polling stations. Half of the polling stations are categorized as “sensitive” or “most sensitive,” reflecting security concerns.
A significant voter turnout is pivotal, particularly for the PTI's electoral prospects, as economic woes and security challenges dominate the electorate's priorities.
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