Opinion | Unmasking the Truth: The Reality of Rigged Elections in Pakistan

Rigged elections have been a recurring issue in the political landscape of our neighbouring country Pakistan, raising questions about the fairness and integrity of the democratic process. The country has a long history of electoral manipulation, with various political parties and actors involved in undermining the will of the people. Understanding the context and evidence of rigged elections is crucial to shed light on this troubling phenomenon. The roots of rigged elections in Pakistan can be traced back to the early years of its independence. Since its inception, the country has experienced periods of military rule, political instability, and the dominance of powerful elites. These factors have contributed to a culture of electoral fraud, where the ruling elite seeks to maintain their grip on power at any cost. Throughout its history, Pakistan has witnessed instances of ballot stuffing, voter intimidation, and the manipulation of electoral rolls. The objective has often been to ensure the victory of favored candidates or parties, regardless of the popular will. This has eroded public trust in the electoral system and undermined the legitimacy of the government.
There is ample evidence to support the claim of rigged elections in Pakistan. Independent election observers, both domestic and international, have consistently reported irregularities, including the presence of pre-stuffed ballot boxes, voter coercion, and the disenfranchisement of certain segments of the population. Furthermore, whistleblowers and insiders have come forward to expose the tactics employed by political parties to manipulate election outcomes. These include the use of fake identity cards, the bribing of election officials, and the manipulation of electronic voting machines. Such practices not only undermine the democratic process but also perpetuate a system where the will of the people is subverted. A significant factor in the prevalence of rigged elections in Pakistan is the influence of the Pakistan Army. Historically, the military has played a prominent role in the country’s politics, often interfering in the electoral process to safeguard its own interests. Through direct interventions or behind-the-scenes manipulation, the army has been known to influence the outcome of elections in favor of candidates or parties aligned with its agenda.
The army’s interference takes various forms, including intimidation of voters, harassment of opposition candidates, and the imposition of martial law or lawlessness. In some cases, the military has even resorted to overtly supporting a particular political party, thereby tilting the electoral playing field in its favor. These actions not only undermine the principles of democracy but also perpetuate a culture of impunity and disregard for the rule of law. One of the most significant events in recent Pakistani political history was the disqualification of Imran Khan, the leader of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, from holding public office. Khan’s disqualification came at a crucial time, just before the general elections of 2018, and had a profound impact on the election process.
Khan’s disqualification was seen by many as a politically motivated move to sideline a popular opposition figure. It raised concerns about the impartiality of the judiciary and its role in influencing the electoral landscape. The disqualification not only disrupted the campaign dynamics but also led to a polarization of the political environment, further eroding public trust in the electoral process. Following the 2018 general elections, the PTI, led by Imran Khan, alleged widespread rigging and electoral malpractices. The party claimed that the election was marred by the manipulation of results, voter suppression, and the use of state resources to benefit the ruling party. These allegations not only ignited public protests but also led to a prolonged legal battle to challenge the election results. The PTI’s allegations were supported by evidence and testimonies from election observers, party workers, and independent analysts. They highlighted a range of irregularities, including the tampering of results transmission systems, the exclusion of opposition party polling agents, and the use of violence to intimidate voters. Despite the mounting evidence, the claims of rigged elections were largely dismissed by the authorities, further deepening the crisis of legitimacy. Another disturbing aspect of rigged elections in Pakistan is the widespread arrests and human rights violations that occur during the electoral process. Opposition leaders, activists, and journalists critical of the government are often targeted, detained, or harassed to suppress dissent and manipulate the outcome of the elections.These arrests and human rights violations not only violate the principles of democracy and freedom of expression but also create an atmosphere of fear and intimidation. They undermine the ability of opposition parties to campaign freely and mobilize their supporters, thereby distorting the electoral playing field in favour of the ruling party.