Young and urban Pakistanis are dismayed by the state of their country, which they blame on the ruling class\u2019s incompetence<\/p>\n
Since the founding of Pakistan in 1947, not a single prime minister has served the full five-year term. If this fact betokens a country marked by instability and sudden changes in the political mood then last week\u2019s remarkable elections have done little to change that reputation. The electoral analysts were proved wrong, as candidates loyal to the imprisoned former prime minister, Imran Khan, stunned outside observers \u2013 and even the country\u2019s political elite \u2013 by winning the most seats<\/a>. One thing can now be predicted with confidence: a new period of political turmoil.<\/p>\n Nearly 60 million<\/a> people turned out to vote on 8 February. On polling day, the government imposed a mobile services and internet blackout<\/a> across the country, citing threats of terrorism and social unrest. The move severely restricted journalists\u2019 and voters\u2019 ability to monitor polling stations and provide real-time updates. Voters also criticised the slow counting<\/a> of votes by the Election Commission of Pakistan, raising suspicion of irregularities. As the final results were announced<\/a> on Sunday, protests were already under way across Pakistan as candidates loyal to Khan alleged serious vote-rigging<\/a>.<\/p>\n Hameed Hakimi is an associate fellow at Chatham House and a senior fellow at the Atlantic Council<\/p>\n Do you have an opinion on the issues raised in this article? If you would like to submit a response of up to 300 words by email to be considered for publication in our letters<\/a> section, please click here<\/a>.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n