The Tale of Election Day: Pakistan’s Journey of Democracy in 2024

In the chronicles of Pakistan’s electoral history, the tale of 2024 Election Day unfolds like a gripping saga, blending democracy with a dash of unexpected twists and turns. From historical echoes to modern-day antics, here’s my story of how the day unfolded.

February 8, 2024, stands out as a pivotal moment, marked by both anticipation and uncertainty. As the 12th general election unfolded, over 60.6 million voters across the nation exercised their democratic rights, according to a comprehensive report by the Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN). This turnout surpassed the numbers from previous elections, highlighting a growing engagement in the democratic process.

The backdrop of Pakistan’s electoral journey is painted with hues of both progress and challenges. The Legal Framework Order (LFO) of 1970 ushers in the era of adult franchise, although Pakistan’s powerful military establishment has ruled directly for more than three decades of the country’s journey as an independent nation since 1947.

In a gripping tale of democracy, the 2024 Election Day emerges as a pivotal moment, marked by anticipation and unforeseen challenges.

February 8th seems like a day with the power of democracy, setting the tone for a smooth democratic environment, establishing economic conditions for Pakistan, and providing a platform for the powerful government that will make difficult decisions to get Pakistan’s economy back on track. The people of Pakistan were excited to welcome February 8th, 2024, and political parties were eager to embrace the destiny of the crown.

The day kicked off with a bang as the powers that be decided to play hide-and-seek with mobile networks, cutting off connections to the outside world. Was it a case of Election Day rigging or just a quirky prelude to the chaos that ensued? Only time will tell.

As dawn broke, voters were in for a surprise of a different kind. The Election Commission of Pakistan decided to shuffle polling stations like a deck of cards, leaving many scratching their heads. One unfortunate family found themselves in a bizarre situation where each female member had her vote scattered across different polling stations. Talk about a logistical nightmare!

Accompanying my mother to cast her vote, we found ourselves at a polling station in Karachi South, a private school. My mother, aged 75, faced the challenge of climbing to the fourth floor, where the polling booth was located. Despite this hurdle, the enthusiasm of the voters present to cast their votes was evident.

Despite hurdles like vanished ink and shuffled polling stations, Pakistani citizens displayed remarkable resilience, determined to exercise their democratic rights.

Embarking on a journey from Karachi to Rahim Yar Khan, I encountered a tapestry of democracy in action. Outside polling stations in Sindh, throngs of women stood resolute, ready to exercise their right to vote—a heartening sight indeed, proving that Pakistanis are well-versed in their democratic rights.

I witnessed a peaceful and calm election; all credit goes to the organizers, our security agencies, and the interim government. The health of the election was commendable, and the right to vote was safeguarded as every person exercised their voting right.

Inside the polling booth, however, a comedy of errors awaited. As eager voters emerged, seeking the infamous ink mark to prove their electoral participation, they were met with a startling revelation—the ink had vanished into thin air! Was it a case of inkless fingers or a clever ploy to undermine the sanctity of the vote? Ms. Sarah, a first-time voter from district Rahim Yar Khan, smelled a rat, suspecting pre-rigging antics at play.

Meanwhile, Mrs. Mahpara, an elderly voter, embarked on a heroic ascent up four flights of stairs to cast her ballot. With no facilitation in sight, she epitomized the resilience of Pakistani voters in the face of adversity. While election commission representatives lounged in their offices, voters like Mrs. Mahpara took matters into their own hands.

The aftermath of the election revealed surprising results, shaking the political landscape and emphasizing the need for electoral reform.

During a conversation with the staff, it was revealed that not a single woman polling staff member had cast her vote—a puzzling statistic in a day filled with surprises. Despite the presence of over 1.1 million election officials and 0.7 million security personnel, the glaring absence of their votes remained a mystery.

As the day drew to a close, the ultimate surprise awaited—the election results defied all expectations, sending shockwaves through the political landscape. Pakistanis had spoken, rejecting the familiar faces of cronyism and corruption in a resounding display of democratic fervor.

As the curtains closed on this theatrical Election Day, one thing became abundantly clear—the need for serious reform within the election commission. From logistical nightmares to vanishing ink, the day was a comedy of errors that underscored the importance of accessible and transparent electoral processes. As Pakistan marches forward on its democratic journey, let’s hope that future elections are devoid of such unexpected plot twists.

As Pakistan grapples with the aftermath of the 2024 elections, the need for electoral reform looms large. The discrepancies and challenges encountered underscore the imperative for a transparent and inclusive electoral process. Moving forward, it is essential to address these issues to safeguard the integrity of democracy and ensure the voices of all citizens are heard.

And so, the tale of Election Day 2024 in Pakistan draws to a close—a tale of resilience, determination, and the enduring pursuit of democracy.

The author is a seasoned humanitarian and development expert.