A hung verdict is expected as both former prime ministers of Pakistan, Nawaz Sharif and Imran Khan, are declared winners. The country's Election Commission is yet to officially announce the results. Analysts predict there may not be a clear winner.
Sharif has said he will talk to other parties to form a coalition government after his party failed to secure a majority. Khan, a famous former cricketer who voted from jail, said in a “victory speech” that independents backed by his party would win more than 170 of the 264 seats. The majority score is 133.
Elections were held in Pakistan on February 8, when mobile services were suspended.
Live Updates on Pakistan Elections Here:
Get NDTV updatesTurn on notifications Get alerts as this story develops.
A strong performance by independent candidates loyal to Imran Khan has forced military-backed Nawaz Sharif to rethink his strategy and plan a coalition government with Bilawal Bhutto Zardari. Recent figures suggest that Nawaz Sharif has no choice but to form a government in alliance with the PPP.
PML-N: 63
PPP: 50
Independents supported by PTI: 94
MQM-P: 14
Source: The Express Tribune quoting APP, a government-run agency
President Imran Khan's Victory Speech (Prepared by Artificial Intelligence) after the country's historic contest in the 2024 General Elections in which Tehreek-e-Insaf won an unprecedented victory. pic.twitter.com/8yQqes4nO9
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) February 9, 2024
Hours after Nawaz Sharif claimed that his party had emerged as the single largest party, Imran Khan indicated that his party was on course to secure a clear majority.
“No Pakistani will accept this (electoral rigging) and the international media has also extensively reported on it. According to the Form 45 data, we will win more than 170 National Assembly constituencies. My fellow countrymen, you all have set the date for restoring democracy in Pakistan. In 2024 elections. We are winning with two-thirds majority. Everyone has seen the strength of your vote. Now show your ability to defend and protect it,” Imran Khan said in an audio clip. His AI-enabled voice.
In a press conference in Lahore yesterday, Nawaz Sharif said, “Pakistan Muslim League is the largest party in the country today.
Imran Khan has delivered a 'victory speech' in his AI-enabled voice saying that Nawaz Sharif's 'London Plan' failed due to massive turnout on polling day.
“My dear countrymen, by participating in large numbers and exercising your democratic rights, you have laid the foundation for the restoration of the freedom to exercise the rights of citizens. I congratulate all of you who helped us to win the elections well. You had full confidence in voting in large numbers. You acted according to my belief, the election. The high turnout on the day surprised many. 'London project' because you actively participated in democratic work. The low-intellectual leader who delivered a victory speech despite his party trailing by 30 seats,” he said in an audio clip of his AI-enabled voice on social media.