world’s fifth democracy He goes to the polls tomorrow, with his most charismatic politician imprisoned, the economy in stalemate, disagreements with the neighborhood, many young people considering exile, and the certainty that he will continue to rule no matter who wins. Army. Polls in favor Nawaz SharifLeader of the Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N), but no one makes more headlines Imran KhanFrom Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), which rained down condemnation last week.
Politics has revolved around Khan since his party won the election. 2018 electionsdriven by sporting triumphs (in 1992, he captained the only team to win the cricket World Cup). Pakistan), his emphasis corruption and military support. But he faded away with his stubborn attacks. ruling classes He was expelled from the Parliament in 2022 motion of censure for his alleged incompetence in economic management. Problems have piled up since then, and he was recently sentenced to 10 and 14 years in prison for corruption and treason. Also, his wife Bushra BibiWhen it was revealed that the marriage was fake, he was imprisoned.
71-year-old Khan continues to represent Turkey pakistan youth change and resistance dynastic oligarchies and army. His party is going to elections without him under unstable conditions and has been devastated by the arrests. Justice banned him from using the iconic symbol. cricket bat Their inclusion on ballot papers, which would make it difficult for illiterate people to identify them, and the televised broadcast of their leaders’ speeches. Experts state that he maintains a solid follower base despite all the obstacles.
A former prime minister as a favorite
The biography of Sharif, who is likely to win, also includes brushes with justice and his position as prime minister. None of those who brought the country to democracy actually managed to complete their terms of office. This will be Sharif’s unforgettable return to the stage after four years of exile. He also regretted that the army threw him out during a mutiny, but the love now flows unfettered. Since his return to the country in October, all corruption convictions that prevented him from participating in elections have been annulled. Strong base in the state Punjabinfrastructure is interspersed, fueling the attack on power.
Among its competitors Bilawal Bhutto Zardari. Son Benazir BhuttoThe prime minister who was assassinated was too young to have any problems with justice, he was only 35 years old. Analysts predict that elections will result in which an absolute majority cannot be achieved. weak and leaky coalition government To the course of the army.
economic difficulties
Your duties will not be few. 40 percent of Pakistan’s 240 million population lives in the region povertyRupee has lost half its value since 2021 as the country accumulates decades of savings inflation and only loans from friendly countries and a $3 billion bailout from the United States. International Monetary Fund prevented non-payment. Aid expires in March, and neither candidate offers a credible recipe for disaster.
HE Noise at the borders It doesn’t help peace either. To endless disagreements India People he/she is with are added Afghanistan Since the Taliban returned and IranianIt crystallized during aerial bombardments that resulted in deaths in January.
The desolation among young people is not surprising. Many are leaving the country legally and illegally, and 40% of them want to go into exile, according to a poll by the Gallup think tank. In this context, elections are coming, which have been postponed for several months so that the military power can prepare the ground for its favorite candidate.