While the vote on Thursday was seen as largely free and fair, the results were unusually delayed, leading to allegations of fudging and tampering of ballots. Results continued to trickle in on Friday evening, more than 24 hours after the close of balloting.
A tally of results declared by the Election Commission of Pakistan at 11pm showed that of the 136 seats counted from the 265 contested, independent candidates backed by Khan had won 49, the PML-N 42 and the PPP 34. However, a tally by Geo News, a leading TV channel, logged 237 seats as counted as at 11pm and showed independent candidates leading in 95 seats, followed by 67 for PML-N and 52 for PPP.
Khan, who was recently given prison terms in three separate cases of treason, graft and having an un-Islamic marriage, was barred from contesting the election and the PTI was the focus of a sweeping crackdown, with candidates prevented from holding rallies by election officials and police and the party denied its election symbol, a cricket bat. This forced PTI candidates to contest as independents.
While the overall turnout for Thursday's election was about 50%, it became apparent that the PTI had done a better job in mobilising voters through its extensive grassroots network.
This story is from the February 10, 2024 edition of Hindustan Times.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the February 10, 2024 edition of Hindustan Times.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Backing queer love stories in cinema is liberating: Onir
Filmmaker Onir's latest project, We Are Faheem and Karun, is a queer love story set against the backdrop of Gurez, Jammu and Kashmir.
Terence Lewis reveals why Saroj Khan, Farah Khan were 'more aggressive' than male choreographers
When it comes to the field of choreography in Bollywood, there have been only a handful of women choreographers. Two names that instantly come to mind are the late choreographer Saroj Khan and choreographer-filmmaker Farah Khan.
Lucknow kids' reimagine Sabya's bridal collection; earn cheers from B'wood
Underprivileged kids from Lucknow reimagine Sabyasachi's bridal designs
Zendaya and Anne Hathaway join Christopher Nolan's next
Hollywood actors Zendaya and Oscar winner Anne Hathaway are the latest additions to the cast of director Christopher Nolan's upcoming feature film.
'Comedy is enjoyable but not easy to do'
Actor Aftab Shivdasani has had a good run in comedy films, with notable performances in Hungama (2003), Masti (2004) and Deewane Huye Paagal (2005). So, it's no surprise that he is excited to return to the genre with Welcome To The Jungle.
ARMAAN MALIK ON HIS THIRD EMA NOD: IT FEELS SURREAL
Singer-songwriter Armaan Malik is ecstatic that he has received a nomination at the MTV Europe Music Awards (EMA) for his song Always with British singer Calum Scott in the Best India Act category.
'A crossover between The Fabulous Lives of Bollywood Wives and Real Housewives of NY is in the works'
Reality TV star Jessel Taank, the first Indian to feature in The Real Housewives of New York City (RHONY), was in Mumbai recently. Talking about her weeklong visit, she shares, \"India's so exciting-economically and culturally - it's imploding. What drew me to India is the fact that I am labelled as the first Indian on RHONY and that's a big compliment. Yet, I feel a disconnect.\"
Ricky Kej beams with joy after fourth Grammy nomination
Musician Ricky Kej is thrilled to receive his fourth Grammy nomination. Having won the prestigious award in 2015, 2022 and 2023, his excitement remains as palpable as his first nomination.
A new innings begins for Athiya and Rahul
Actor Athiya Shetty and cricketer KL Rahul are set to embrace parenthood in 2025, as they joyfully announced their pregnancy on Friday.
Sonu Sood is the Brand Ambassador and Tourism Advisor for Thailand
Sonu Sood, already celebrated as both an actor and philanthropist, has added another prestigious title to his name: Brand Ambassador and Honorary Tourism Advisor for Thailand.
