ISLAMABAD: With Pakistan’s 10th general elections set to take place tomorrow (February 8), a report by the International Crisis Group (ICG) predicts the country is inching towards contested polls.
The report mentioned that there are chances of damaging the incoming government’s legitimacy no matter which party assumes power, as opportunities to address the flaws in the process are fast shrinking. Therefore, the election day could be marred by disputed polls.
The ICG, in its report, advised all political parties to uphold their opponents’ right to contest the polls and form a government if elected, instead of turning a blind eye to interference by the caretaker governments and law-enforcement agencies.
The report points out that amid the deep polarisation in the country, the superior judiciary has removed some of the hurdles that lie in the way of a reasonably competitive election, but, on the other hand, the Supreme Court’s support for the election commission’s decision to deny the PTI a common election symbol has sparked fierce controversy.
“Pakistan is holding general elections in a climate of deep political polarisation and a military crackdown on former prime minister Imran Khan’s PTI party. –Agencies
