FORMER cricketer Imran Khan has declared victory in Pakistan’s election amid accusations of vote rigging by rivals.
PAKISTAN cricket star turned politician Imran Khan has declared victory for his party in the country’s general elections, promising a “new” Pakistan following a vote that was marred by allegations of fraud and militant violence.
Khan, who aspires to be the country’s next prime minister, said in a televised address to the nation that “thanks to God, we won and we were successful”.
“If God wills, we will set an example,” he added.
We will not let political victimisation of anyone happen. No one will be above the law; this is our aim. And for these checks and balances we need strong institutions. @ImranKhanPTI#PrimeMinisterImranKhan
— PTI (@PTIofficial) July 26, 2018
Pakistan’s election commission has not yet released official, final results but Khan has maintained a commanding lead according to projections by many television stations, though it’s unclear if his Tehreek-e-Insaf party, or PTI, would get a simple majority or have to form a coalition government. Election officials said an official count confirming Pakistan’s next government was expected later in the evening.
Earlier, Khan’s first wife, British socialite Jemima Goldsmith tweeted her prediction that Mr Khan would be PM.
22 years later, after humiliations, hurdles and sacrifices, my sons’ father is Pakistan’s next PM. It’s an incredible lesson in tenacity, belief & refusal to accept defeat. The challenge now is to remember why he entered politics in the 1st place. Congratulations @ImranKhanPTI
— Jemima Goldsmith (@Jemima_Khan) July 26, 2018
Khan’s message of a “new” Pakistan resonated with young voters in a country where 64 per cent of its 200 million people are below the age of 30, according to a United Nations report.
More than a dozen TV channels in Pakistan, based on official but partial counts, were projecting — using their own, undisclosed methodologies — that Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party is getting as many as 119 seats of the 270 National Assembly seats that were contested.
The remainder in the 342-seat Lower House of Parliament includes reserved seats for women and minorities. Voting for two seats was postponed after one candidate died during the campaign and another was disqualified.
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