Pakistan elections 2024: Delay in Pakistan vote count sparks rigging allegations – BBC News

Joel Guinto

Live page reporter, Singapore

Welcome to our live coverage of Pakistan’s general election.

Results have begun to trickle in after yesterday’s vote. Experts say the counting has been slower compared to previous elections.

It is unclear when we could see a clear result. Both the parties of ex-prime ministers Nawaz Sharif and Imran Khan have claimed victory even though only a small number of results have been announced.

The interior ministry says the delays were caused by communication issues. Yesterday, authorities switched off mobile phone services to ensure the security of the exercise.

Sharif is tipped to win a fourth term after finding himself back in the powerful military’s good graces. But Khan who is in jail, remains a formidable force even if his name is not on the ballot and notwithstanding the many hurdles that his party’s candidates have had to face. His party is doing well in some provinces.

Stay with us as we bring you updates and analysis from our correspondents on the ground in Pakistan and from our team in Singapore.