Pakistani authorities on Thursday cut off internet access across the country for security reasons as voters in the country turned to paper voting.
Opinion polls have now concluded during the controversial election, two years after former Prime Minister Imran Khan was ousted in a no-confidence vote in the National Assembly.
Pakistan does not allow exit polls. Early results are not expected until late Thursday, and a more representative picture of the election is expected to be known in the coming days.
Despite having 128.5 million registered voters, turnout in Pakistan’s general elections has always been below 50%, and one election official told Al Jazeera that turnout in this election was low. It will be particularly “disastrous,” media reports suggest.
Voting includes the country’s three-time former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, who is considered the frontrunner, and Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, the son of assassinated former prime minister Benazir Bhutto and former president Asif Ali Zardari. Names are listed.
Officials say the internet blackout was necessary for security reasons. The country’s military said at least 12 people were killed and 39 injured in a bombing aimed at disrupting the election.
“Precious lives have been lost as a result of the recent terrorist incidents in this country. As reported by BBC News, a Home Office spokesperson said: He said that safety measures are essential.
The suspension of mobile services was criticized by opposition groups and international observers, including Access Now and the Committee to Protect Journalists.
“To completely cut off access to mobile communications on election day is unacceptable on any day,” said Felicia Antonio, campaign manager at Access Now.
“Pakistanis need internet access to ensure free, fair and inclusive elections. The authorities’ decision to cut off access to information undermines the integrity of Pakistan’s elections. .”
It is unacceptable to shut down the internet on election day.
The people of Pakistan have the right to an informed vote.with @CPJAsiawe call on the Pakistani authorities to: #keepiton! https://t.co/Zd94Tka9IC
— Access Now (@accessnow) February 8, 2024
Mr. Khan is currently in prison on corruption charges and is prohibited from running for office. He claimed that the powerful military, with whom he reportedly had a falling out before his ouster, colluded with the United States to have him removed.
Al Jazeera reported that Khan’s adviser Zulfi Bukhari described the internet shutdown as “a form of collusion.”
“When you wake up in the morning, you have to text a specific number that tells you your polling place and address,” he said, adding that voters also rely on ride-hailing services to get to their polling places. “This was a clear attempt to stop everything,” he claimed.
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