Exclusive: PTI-Associated Candidates Take an Early Lead in Pakistan Polls Amidst Claims of Large-Scale Rigging

Widespread anomalies during the Pakistani elections, according to sources close to Imran Khan, have raised concerns about the democratic process. They said that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), led by Imran Khan, had lost the bat emblem and that the electoral field was anything but even. They made these claims to CNN-News18.

According to claims in the local media, voters were intimidated and coerced. There have been allegations that the army interfered to stop the vote counting and close polling places, raising questions about the fairness of the democratic process. The claimed discrepancies have been condemned by foreign media outlets and observers, who have expressed dismay at these events. Independent candidates supported by the PTI were apparently ahead in 90 seats at first. However, with the claimed participation of the military, the situation drastically changed.

According to reports, the General Headquarters (GHQ) has taken direct control of the elections in South Punjab and Lahore, with General Asim Munir personally supervising the results processing. Results from Sindh’s interior and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) have been announced, but tensions persist since the military’s presence casts doubt on the validity of the results.

PTI-SUPPORTED OWNERS GOING DIRECTLY
Previous results showed independent candidates supported by the PTI leading, indicating a significant defeat for the PML-N. Beyond the National Assembly, PTI-backed independents have also been successful, with good results noted in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK).

According to unofficial sources, candidates sponsored by the PTI are leading in 90 seats, with the PML-N coming in second with 45 seats. Former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, who apparently left the Model Town office late into the night after the results, has suffered a significant setback. After that, the military took over all Returning Offices and allegedly started preparing Form 45. Pakistan’s Chief Election Commissioner also left his office in the wee hours of the morning to hold a news conference.

Asif Ali Zardari of the PPP landed in Islamabad on Thursday around 11:30 PM, adding further intrigue to the political scene. According to reliable sources, this formula would result in fewer independent candidates, which will enable the PML-N to establish a government with more support. Meanwhile, PPP is expected to win the presidency.