Who won Pakistan’s violent, chaotic election?
Pakistan went to the polls on Thursday in an election tainted by undemocratic practices – including a suspension of mobile phone services during voting – and violence. It’s not yet clear who won, but early returns reportedly suggest that candidates affiliated with imprisoned ex-Prime Minister Imran Khan are leading. If confirmed, this would mark a major rebuke of the country’s powerful military.
Before Election Day, Pakistan’s military was effectively accused of rigging the process in favor of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and his Pakistan Muslim League party with a rampant crackdown on Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party. Sharif and Khan are archrivals.
Political violence. The day before the vote, Balochistan province was rocked by twin blasts that killed at least 30 people near political offices. This followed a broader trend of violence throughout the election season, which even saw candidates shot and killed.
What’s next? UN chief António Guterres on Thursday urged Pakistan’s leaders to “maintain a calm atmosphere” as the country awaited official results, signaling that he’s worried about the prospect of further violence in the meantime.
Like GZERO’s news and analysis? Be sure to follow us on MSN and subscribe to our daily newsletter.
News Related-
Russian court extends detention of Wall Street Journal reporter Gershkovich until end of January
-
Russian court extends detention of Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, arrested on espionage charges
-
Israel's economy recovered from previous wars with Hamas, but this one might go longer, hit harder
-
Stock market today: Asian shares mixed ahead of US consumer confidence and price data
-
EXCLUSIVE: ‘Sister Wives' star Christine Brown says her kids' happy marriages inspired her leave Kody Brown
-
NBA fans roast Clippers for losing to Nuggets without Jokic, Murray, Gordon
-
Panthers-Senators brawl ends in 10-minute penalty for all players on ice
-
CNBC Daily Open: Is record Black Friday sales spike a false dawn?
-
Freed Israeli hostage describes deteriorating conditions while being held by Hamas
-
High stakes and glitz mark the vote in Paris for the 2030 World Expo host
-
Biden’s unworkable nursing rule will harm seniors
-
Jalen Hurts: We did what we needed to do when it mattered the most
-
LeBron James takes NBA all-time minutes lead in career-worst loss
-
Vikings' Kevin O'Connell to evaluate Josh Dobbs, path forward at QB