Pakistan will witness one of the most crucial general elections in its history with over 128 million registered voters — half of the country’s population
AMN / WEB DESK
Pakistan is all set to go for the February 8 general polls amid tight security. The deadline for the political parties for electioneering ended on Tuesday midnight, the election campaigns culminated with promises of better education, employment, and economic system for the country. With just 10 hours left for the political contest to begin, Pakistan will witness one of the most crucial general elections in its history with over 128 million registered voters — half of the country’s population — to decide the fate of the nation for the next five years.
Local media reported that the elections will be held on 265 seats of National Assembly and five hundred and ninety seats of four provincial assemblies.
Meanwhile, the election is marred by allegations of pre-poll rigging by the military and against the backdrop of an economy in dire straits.
This time, the major contenders are Nawaz Sharif’s Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) and Pakistan People’s Party which is led by Bilawal Bhutto and Asif Ali Zardari.
Sharif’s arch-rival Imran Khan, whose party won the 2018 elections, is currently behind bars and banned from contesting polls. Candidates from his Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) party have also been barred from contesting polls under its election symbol. They are contesting as independents in this election.
According to media reports, security will be a key challenge for Pakistani authorities amid surging attacks on political parties and election candidates. Pakistan’s southwestern Balochistan province has seen several attacks on election candidates, security forces and polling personnels.
A number of candidates from different political parties and independents lost their lives while leading their election campaigns in terrorist attacks in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Balochistan as the country saw a spike in incidents of violence, while sporadic clashes between political parties occurred across the country.
Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) is determined to ensure the peaceful conduct of polls in the presence of increased security with the Pakistan Army, Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs), and police on high alert.
As the country heads into the country’s 10th general elections after more than five years, the masses hope for a change in the economy as analysts say the elected government will need to have a collaborative effort from policymakers, businesses, and citizens alike to address economic challenges, and foster growth.
During month-long all-out electoral campaigns — once allies — the two main contenders for the prime minister’s seat, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif and PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari have been trading barbs and criticising each other for their performances.