[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text dp_text_size=”size-4″]The Supreme Court of Pakistan has slated a hearing for a plea seeking the annulment of the 2024 general elections. A three-member bench, consisting of Justice Muhammad Ali Mazahir and Justice Musarrat Hilali, presided over by Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Qazi Faez Isa, is set to examine the plea on February 19.
The plea was initiated by a private petitioner who approached the Supreme Court, urging it to invalidate the general elections held on February 8. The petitioner alleges breaches of electoral integrity and democratic principles, prompting the request to nullify the election results. The petitioner is urging the court to mandate fresh elections under judicial supervision within 30 days, with a focus on ensuring fairness, transparency, and accountability in the electoral process.
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It is noteworthy that in the recent general elections, independent candidates, supported by a former prime minister currently incarcerated, secured 92 out of 264 seats, emerging as the largest group. This outcome has contributed to a sense of uncertainty regarding Pakistan’s political future, as none of the major parties – PML-N, PPP, or PTI-backed independents – secured a simple majority in the National Assembly during the February 8 elections.
With the absence of a clear majority, political actors are actively involved in forming alliances to secure the required 169 seats in the 336-member lower house of parliament. The dynamics of coalition-building and negotiations are unfolding as political stakeholders navigate the complex post-election scenario.
Throughout the announcement of election results, it was notable that PTI-backed independent candidates maintained their lead over mainstream political parties, particularly in the National and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assemblies. This outcome has added a layer of intrigue and complexity to the political landscape, prompting legal challenges and calls for the annulment of the elections.
As the Supreme Court prepares to hear the plea on February 19, the judicial review becomes a pivotal moment in determining the fate of the 2024 general elections. The court’s decision will have far-reaching implications on the political trajectory of Pakistan, impacting the formation of the government and the stability of the country’s political landscape. The plea underscores the significance of upholding electoral integrity and democratic principles, as the court grapples with the responsibility of ensuring a fair and transparent electoral process in the best interest of the nation.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
