Political analysts say Kaptaan rattling opponents even from behind bars

Experts decry ECP’s ‘partiality’, say institution acting on ‘cues’

Political experts have raised concerns about the alleged partiality of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), in the ongoing electoral process and raised questions about its purported alignment with the Pakistan Muslim League N (PML-N).

They claimed that some political parties have realised that the sympathy vote is now tilting towards former prime minister Imran Khan and the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).

کیا پی ٹی آئی کی انتخابی فتح یقینی ہوگئی؟ تجزیہ کار محمد الیاس کا اہم تجزیہ@MuhammadIlyaspk @RanaAamirilyas @Duaakanwal1 @itsmeayazkhan @s_faisalhussain @navidjourno pic.twitter.com/jTvSDqDYef

— Experts (@express_experts) January 10, 2024

Group Editor of Daily Express Ayaz Khan, speaking on Express News talk show 'Experts' on Thursday, expressed his reservations about the ECP's impartiality. Khan highlighted the perceived alignment of the ECP with the PML-N, raising questions about the neutrality of the electoral body.

پی ٹی آئی کیسے ہیرو اور ن لیگ زیرو ہوگئی؟ سنیے تجزیہ کار نوید حسین سے@MuhammadIlyaspk @RanaAamirilyas @Duaakanwal1 @itsmeayazkhan @s_faisalhussain @navidjourno pic.twitter.com/jDHyDGx2cn

— Experts (@express_experts) January 10, 2024

"When the Peshawar High Court initially overturned the ECP’s decision and reinstated the bat symbol, Shehbaz Sharif criticised the PHC judgment," said Khan. "Subsequently, Sikandar Sultan Raja, the Chief Election Commissioner, has aligned his actions with the will of the PML-N and went to the court. As you connect the links, everything becomes clear."

Read more: PTI files contempt plea in PHC against ECP

کیا پی ٹی آئی کو معافی مل گئی؟ تجزیہ کار فیصل حسین کا تجزیہ@MuhammadIlyaspk @RanaAamirilyas @Duaakanwal1 @itsmeayazkhan @s_faisalhussain @navidjourno pic.twitter.com/VBd1CujWCF

— Experts (@express_experts) January 10, 2024

In a satirical tone, Khan advised the ECP on the recent PHC judgment to move to the apex court and suggested that if they fail to get relief from SC, then they should directly request PTI to please return the bat sign because after that they have no option left. But he also expressed suspicion that the ECP may file an appeal with the Supreme Court, this time using two aggrieved.

کیا پی ٹی آئی کو لیول پلیئنگ فیلڈ مل گئی؟ یا نئی گیم شروع ہوگئی ، سنیے تجزیہ کار ایاز خان سے@MuhammadIlyaspk @RanaAamirilyas @Duaakanwal1 @itsmeayazkhan @s_faisalhussain @navidjourno pic.twitter.com/yTULc5RVh5

— Experts (@express_experts) January 10, 2024

"There can be no greater abuse than depriving a political party of its electoral symbol by a malicious decision," Khan expressed deep concern. He believed that the bat symbol would become a nightmare for the PML-N and if the nomination papers of PTI candidates were also approved, that would also become a problem for Nawaz's party.

پی ٹی آئی کے لیے ابھی کون کونسے امتحان باقی ہیں؟تجزیہ کار عامر الیاس رانا نے بتادیا@MuhammadIlyaspk @RanaAamirilyas @Duaakanwal1 @itsmeayazkhan @s_faisalhussain @navidjourno pic.twitter.com/3GlZ0G7XQ6

— Experts (@express_experts) January 10, 2024

Chief Editor, The Express Tribune, Naveed Hussain, highlighted the dynamics of sympathy vote, citing the example of the past when despite various smear campaigns, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Co-Chairman Asif Ali Zardari benefitted from it in the 2008 elections following the assassination of former prime minister Benazir Bhutto in 2007.

کیا پی ٹی آئی کپتان کے بغیر انتخابی میچ جیت پائے گی؟@MuhammadIlyaspk @RanaAamirilyas @Duaakanwal1 @itsmeayazkhan @s_faisalhussain @navidjourno pic.twitter.com/IpsbxhZt5Z

— Experts (@express_experts) January 10, 2024

Hussain also cited the 2013 elections when Nawaz Sharif, supremo of PML-N, led the elections after his exile garnered a sympathy vote. He explained that when Nawaz was ousted by the top court in 2017, public sympathies leaned toward him due to the prevailing perception that the establishment played a role in toppling governments.

He said that PTI was brought to power in 2018 and if it had continued till 2024, considering its governance during its three-and-a-half-year rule, there was a possibility that Nawaz Sharif would have returned to power.

پی ٹی آئی کے لیے ابھی کون کونسے امتحان باقی ہیں؟تجزیہ کار عامر الیاس رانا نے بتادیا@MuhammadIlyaspk @RanaAamirilyas @Duaakanwal1 @itsmeayazkhan @s_faisalhussain @navidjourno pic.twitter.com/3GlZ0G7XQ6

— Experts (@express_experts) January 10, 2024

Hussain pointed out that Nawaz Sharif and PML-N had moved hastily, and the PTI government was ousted through a vote of no confidence which has generated a significant sympathy vote for PTI. Consequently, he added that the sympathy vote that the PML-N supreme leader was expected to receive is now shifting towards PTI.

"Maulana Fazlur Rehman and Amil Wali Khan in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa realised the prevailing ground situation, leading them to advocate for the postponement of the elections," Hussain emphasised.

He said that Shehbaz Sharif's response to the PHC's earlier judgment and Javed Latif's statements indicate their realisation that the sympathy vote has shifted towards PTI.

Also read: ECP moves SC against restoration of PTI's electoral symbol

Faisal Husain, Express News Bureau Chief in Karachi, echoed concerns about the ECP's partiality and suggested that if PTI retains the bat symbol, the only remaining option for the ECP could be the postponement of the elections.

"If the ECP approaches the Supreme Court and, even then, PTI manages to secure the bat symbol, the only remaining option for it appears to be the postponement of the election," Faisal added.

Faisal highlighted the partiality of the ECP, pointing out that intra-party elections of this nature are a common practice among all political parties. He added that if the electoral watchdog applied similar scrutiny to all parties, it would become evident that they are neutral. However, the partiality has become apparent through its actions.

Amir Ilyas Rana, Express News Bureau Chief in Islamabad, advocated for political parties' fundamental right to contest elections using their symbols but refrained from applying this theory to PTI due to May 9 events. He emphasised the complexity of the situation, stating that it is expected to be a challenging period for prime minister Imran Khan.

"These matters are not as simple as everyone thinks and it is expected to be a challenging period for Imran Khan," said Rana.

Mohammad Ilyas, the Express News Bureau Chief in Lahore, stated that PTI candidates seeking to run independently have a chance of winning if their nomination papers are approved.

He downplayed the significance of the bat symbol, emphasising that voters are more aware of the candidates. Ilyas mentioned that providing a slight breathing space to PTI could enhance its chances of success, and at present, they are making efforts to prevent the rejection of their nomination papers.