Uncertainty has increased after elections: PAT

Secretary-General of the Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT), Khurram Nawaz Gandapur, has stated that rather than decreasing, uncertainty has increased after the elections. He said that educated circles had hoped that life would improve and unrest would diminish after the elections, but it seems that conditions will deteriorate further.

PAT Secretary General said that the markets are witnessing trading based on a divided mandate, and in the coming months, our courts and institutions will only be occupied with cases of electoral irregularities, wasting valuable time and resources. The Election Commission, he said, should take a clear legal stance on allegations of result manipulation and candidates' claims; adding that this is a matter of the credibility of constitutional institutions. He said that despite having an excellent communication infrastructure like Punjab, the delay in announcing results even after 24 hours is a moment of concern.

Khurram Nawaz Gandapur further stated that the international media is pointing fingers at the lack of level playing fields for political parties and the opaque counting process, which is not conducive to our democratic future. He said that the new government will also not be able to function effectively amidst the burden of these allegations, and once again, demands for transparent elections will echo throughout the country.

“If the public's mandate is not respected, trust in democracy will erode,” he said.

PAT leader said that it has been proven once again that this system cannot deliver, and there is no solution available within this system. He said there is no concept of free candidates or party-less elections in democratic countries. He recommended a serious dialogue on the issue was essential.

“Pakistan is not a limited company where individuals bargain by becoming shareholders or stakeholders under the guise of democracy,” he concluded.