Allegations of Election Rigging (2024)
The 2024 Pakistani general election, held on February 8, was marred by widespread allegations of electoral manipulation and rigging, with former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and his Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) party at the center of controversy.
The election was characterized by significant irregularities, including:
Pre-Poll Manipulation: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) and the Supreme Court banned the use of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party's electoral symbol, the cricket bat, forcing its candidates to run as independents.
Internet Shutdown: The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority imposed a nationwide internet shutdown on election day, raising concerns about suppressing online dissent and media coverage.
Delayed Results: The ECP delayed the release of official results, leading to confusion and mistrust among voters and political parties.
orm 45 and Form 47 Discrepancies: Activists and politicians, including former Prime Ministers Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and Imran Khan, alleged that Form 45s (actual results) were manipulated to match pre-prepared Form 47s, casting doubt on the authenticity of the results.
NA-130 Lahore-XIV: PTI candidate Yasmin Rashid claimed she won the seat against Nawaz Sharif but alleged that Sharif secured victory through the addition of 74,000 fraudulent votes. Civil society organization PATTAN described the election in this constituency as "historic rigging."
NA-48 Islamabad-III: Independent candidate Raja Khurram Shehzad Nawaz, who later joined PML-N, faced allegations of rigging in his constituency. The Islamabad High Court suspended his victory notification, and an audit revealed manipulation in the election results.
The election was characterized by significant irregularities, including:
Pre-Poll Manipulation: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) and the Supreme Court banned the use of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party's electoral symbol, the cricket bat, forcing its candidates to run as independents.
Internet Shutdown: The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority imposed a nationwide internet shutdown on election day, raising concerns about suppressing online dissent and media coverage.
Delayed Results: The ECP delayed the release of official results, leading to confusion and mistrust among voters and political parties.
orm 45 and Form 47 Discrepancies: Activists and politicians, including former Prime Ministers Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and Imran Khan, alleged that Form 45s (actual results) were manipulated to match pre-prepared Form 47s, casting doubt on the authenticity of the results.
NA-130 Lahore-XIV: PTI candidate Yasmin Rashid claimed she won the seat against Nawaz Sharif but alleged that Sharif secured victory through the addition of 74,000 fraudulent votes. Civil society organization PATTAN described the election in this constituency as "historic rigging."
NA-48 Islamabad-III: Independent candidate Raja Khurram Shehzad Nawaz, who later joined PML-N, faced allegations of rigging in his constituency. The Islamabad High Court suspended his victory notification, and an audit revealed manipulation in the election results.
Sources