Pakistan: Inching toward Contested Elections

As the country is deeply polarised, disputes could turn ugly. Authorities can still avoid the worst-case scenarios.

What’s new?

General elections in Pakistan, which were due in November 2023, are now scheduled for 8 February.

With the electoral commission facing major challenges in overseeing a transparent and inclusive ballot, the risk of one-sided contest has increased.

Why did it happen?

Facing a military-led crackdown after May 2023 violence by party supporters, Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI…