The 2024 elections in Pakistan feature three prominent contenders. With PTI’s Imran Khan jailed, PML-N’s Nawaz Sharif and PPP’s Bilawal Bhutto Zardari have become the leading contenders for Pakistan’s next PM position.
The world is keeping a close eye on Pakistan as the country gears up for elections slated to be held on February 8, 2024. PML-N and PPP, led by seasoned politicians Nawaz Sharif and Bilawal Bhutto Zardari respectively, emphasize experience and stability. In contrast, Khan’s PTI, capitalizing on its anti-establishment narrative, seeks to return to power with promises of reform and a renewed social contract. Key issues dominating the discourse include economic recovery, security, climate change, and the role of the military in politics. At a time like this, a stable and legitimate government is crucial for tackling the country’s pressing challenges and navigating a complex geopolitical environment. Dive in to check the latest updates and insights on Pakistan’s National Elections:
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Ballot Preparation and Distribution
According to a report by ARY News, the Election Commission of Pakistan has successfully established the Election Management System (EMS) and implemented election monitoring, marking a crucial milestone ahead of the general elections scheduled for February 8. As political parties in Pakistan intensify their campaigning efforts, Syed Asif Hussain, the secretary of the election commission, disclosed in an exclusive interview with ARY News that 3,600 individuals have been trained to operate the EMS system. Additionally, 3,000 computers have been deployed for EMS operations.
Addressing concerns raised during EMS trials, the ECP secretary assured that necessary adjustments have been made, and a private network has been established to ensure the system’s functionality even without internet access, as reported by ARY News. Furthermore, in a separate interview, Director-General Information Technology Khizar Hayat emphasized enhancements in technology to ensure seamless operations during the polls. Hayat explained that election results will be transmitted from Presiding Officers to Returning Officers through EMS, with provisions for manual delivery in case of technical issues.
Meanwhile, the ECP has completed the printing of 260 million ballot papers for all constituencies across the country in preparation for the general elections. Differentiating between National Assembly and Provincial Assembly ballots, an ECP spokesperson noted that National Assembly ballots are printed on green paper, while Provincial Assembly ballots are on white paper. With distribution completed in most districts, the printing process, initiated on January 14, concluded on February 3, following a Supreme Court directive for reprinting in certain constituencies.
The ECP reported a significant increase in ballot paper production, reflecting a 54.74% rise in candidates compared to the 2018 elections. Despite a surge in demand for special paper, effective management resulted in reduced usage. The distribution includes various formats, with preparations underway for the scheduled polls on February 8.
Political parties and independent candidates are actively engaged in campaign activities, with the election drive scheduled to conclude on February 6 at midnight.
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Pakistan Election 2024: Who are the key candidates?
The 2024 elections in Pakistan feature three prominent contenders. With PTI’s Imran Khan jailed, PML-N’s Nawaz Sharif and PPP’s Bilawal Bhutto Zardari have become the leading contenders for Pakistan’s next PM position.
Imran Khan founded the PTI in 1996 with an anti-corruption agenda, leading the party to ascendancy in 2018. However, his tenure was short-lived, facing ousting in 2022 due to waning military support. Khan’s confrontations with the military led to his imprisonment since August 2023, facing numerous court cases. Despite his claims of military targeting, his strategy faltered with violent clashes in May, resulting in mass arrests and party defections. In Khan’s absence, Gohar Ali Khan was elected to temporarily lead the PTI until Khan’s legal matters are resolved.
Meanwhile, Shehbaz Sharif seized the opportunity, aiming to revive PML-N’s influence. The PML-N, historically appealing to conservative and business factions, faced setbacks with Nawaz Sharif’s legal troubles, prompting his exile. However, his recent return to Pakistan, backed by the military, signals a potential resurgence for PML-N, albeit with uncertainties surrounding his brother’s unpopular leadership.
Lastly, the PPP, led by the Bhutto family, has maintained power over decades. Despite its left-leaning stance, the party grapples with corruption allegations. Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari is poised to lead the PPP’s electoral campaign, with plans for his candidacy as Prime Minister and his father, Asif Ali Zardari, for President.
