Pakistan’s 2024 General Elections: Turbulence and Perceived Meddling by the Military
Pakistan recently held its general elections, which have been labeled as the “most rigged” in the country’s history. The popular candidate, Imran Khan, was barred from running, and there were allegations of military backing for former prime minister Nawaz Sharif. However, the election results showed that independent candidates backed by Khan were leading the race, setting the stage for a potentially turbulent period. The electorate reacted angrily to what they perceived as meddling by the military in politics.
Symbols on the Ballot
During the elections, voters in Pakistan were presented with ballot papers featuring a variety of symbols, including tables, chairs, apples, airplanes, calculators, and kitchen appliances. However, one symbol notably absent was the cricket bat, which is associated with Imran Khan’s party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). The PTI was banned from using its signature icon due to high illiteracy rates in the country. As a result, PTI-backed candidates had to run as independents, each using different symbols that stretched the ballot papers and captured the national imagination.
The Power-Wielder
While the election focused on candidates and symbols, the real power-wielder in Pakistan was not on the ballot paper. The military, often referred to as the “generals,” was seen as having significant influence over the election. Pakistan has a history of a hybrid regime, where civilian politics coexists with military interference in electoral democracy. The generals control defense and foreign policies, while domestic socioeconomic issues are left to politicians. However, this hybrid model has been changing in recent years, raising concerns about Pakistan’s political landscape.
A Fractious Political Period Ahead
Before the election, it was expected that Nawaz Sharif’s party, Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N), would secure an outright win with military support. This would have led to the two establishment parties, PML-N and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), dominating Pakistani politics once again. However, the results showed a surprisingly strong showing by PTI-backed independent candidates, leading Sharif to change his stance and declare that he would form a coalition government. The presence of many independent candidates in parliament could lead to a fractious and unruly political period.
Imran Khan’s Legal Woes
Imran Khan, the popular former cricketer-politician, may be behind bars, but he remains a political force in Pakistan. Khan claims that the legal charges against him are politically motivated, a sentiment shared by many Pakistanis. The weak judiciary in the country has raised concerns about the rule of law. Since General Asim Munir became army chief in 2022, Khan’s legal troubles have multiplied, with some cases taking an absurdly personal turn. The acrimonious relationship between Khan and Munir dates back to when Khan was elected prime minister in 2018 and replaced Munir as chief of Pakistan’s Inter-Service Intelligence (ISI) spy agency.
Sharif’s Return to Power
The reversal of fortunes between Imran Khan and Nawaz Sharif reflects the dramatic shift in Pakistani politics. In 2018, Khan was seen as the military’s candidate, while Sharif fell out of favor due to his attempts to institute civilian oversight of the military. However, as the country faced political turmoil last year, with Khan’s supporters protesting against the military, Sharif regained the generals’ favor. After four years of exile, Sharif returned to Pakistan and had his convictions overturned, allowing him to seek a fourth term in office. Sharif is known for his focus on economic growth and development.
Military’s Encroachment on Economic Turf
Pakistan is currently facing its worst economic crisis, with high inflation and a falling currency. Last year, the country narrowly avoided a sovereign debt default with a bailout package from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). To address the economic crisis, Pakistan established the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) to coordinate economic and fiscal policies. However, eyebrows were raised when the army secured a top seat at the economic policy table, with General Munir appointed as the co-chair of the SIFC. This move raised concerns about the military’s encroachment on economic matters.
The Role of the Military
The military’s meddling in politics has long been criticized by defenders of democratic rights in Pakistan. The recent election has shown that the military still plays a significant role in governance, leading to concerns about the country’s democratic process. Pakistan’s political parties have often allied with the military to unseat rivals, allowing the generals to interfere with the electoral process. Following the election, there have been calls for dialogue and national unity to address these issues. The future of Pakistan’s democracy depends on how the political parties conduct themselves and whether they can unite against military interference.
In conclusion, Pakistan’s 2024 general elections have been marred by allegations of rigging and