70% Pakistanis think February 8 polls won't be 'free and fair' elections: survey

Almost 70 percent of Pakistanis think that the upcoming general polls, scheduled for February 8, will not be free and fair elections in the country, according to the survey conducted by Gallup Pakistan.

As the economic and political landscapes remain largely unchanged since 2018, public confidence in elections has taken a significant hit, with seven out of ten Pakistanis doubting the honesty of the electoral process.

The survey painted a disheartening picture of citizen trust in the polity, with a staggering 88% of Pakistanis believing corruption is widespread within their government. 

Public approval for Pakistan's leadership plummeted to a mere 25% in 2023.

A Gallup article titled "Pakistanis' Discontent Reaches Record High Before Election" argued that the ouster of former prime minister Imran Khan in April 2022 disrupted Pakistan's political landscape.

Public anger has intensified following consecutive court verdicts against Imran Khan in the Toshakhana and cipher cases.

The survey cited widespread discontent fueled by the bleak economic, political, and security situation, further exacerbated by growing troubles in late 2023.

The article warned that regardless of the election outcome, meaningful reform hinges on a strong public mandate. The disenfranchised voters could trigger short-term instability, further jeopardising the foreign investment desperately needed to revitalise Pakistan's economy.