Political analysts question Awn Chaudhry’s victory over Salman Akram Raja

The aftermath of general elections in Pakistan has been marred by delayed results, fueling allegations of rigging and irregularities by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) backed candidates. The persistent delays in declaring results, caused by inefficiency of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), prompted journalists and political commentators to question the transparency of the electoral process.

Initial unofficial results, released shortly after polls closed on Thursday night, indicated PTI-backed candidates leading in several major cities across Punjab. However, constant delays in announcing official results by the ECP, coupled with unexplained fluctuations in vote counts, raised concerns about potential irregularities, leaving many political observers bewildered.

According to unofficial, unconfirmed results, of Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP) leader Awn Chaudhry secured vicotry with 172,576 votes in NA-128 by defeating Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) backed candidate Salman Akram Raja, who garnered 159,024 votes.

This outcome surprised many political commentators, observing the general elections.

Early vote tallies on Thursday night indicated a lead for Salman Akram Raja over Awn Chaudhry.

Journalist and lawyer Asad Rahim took to ‘X’ and wrote, “Rigging it makes no difference: the moral victory is overwhelming. Not a soul will believe Salman Akram Raja lost to that glorified sugar cartel, nor that Dr. Yasmin’s results make numerical sense. Best for the riggers to let go, and for civilian elected reps to come together.”

Journalist Syed Muzammil Hasan stated, “I myself surveyed NA 128 in Lahore last week. 8 out of 10 people did not even know who Aun Chaudhary was. Turns out, he defeats Salman Akram Raja from Lahore today; PTI’s most popular and promising candidate this time around. I mean, what a farcical bulldozing. Don’t tell us to believe this.”

I myself surveyed NA 128 in Lahore last week. 8 out of 10 people did not even know who Aun Chaudhary was. Turns out, he defeats Salman Akram Raja from Lahore today; PTI’s most popular and promising candidate this time around. I mean, what a farcical bulldozing. Don’t tell us to…

— Syed Muzammil Shah (@SyedMuzammilOFL) February 9, 2024

No plausible scenario in which @salmanAraja loses NA-128 to Aun Chaudhry. The rigging is off the charts.

— Umair Javed (@umairjav) February 9, 2024

I would sooner believe that over a dozen candidates in NA-130 didn’t even vote for themselves than believe that Awn Chaudhry beat Salman Akram Raja in NA-128.

Awn Chaudhry ko khud yaqeen naheen aa raha. Hum kya maanein? pic.twitter.com/wcR5jx5eyM

— Salaar Khan (@Brainmasalaar) February 9, 2024

Was speaking to voters in this constituency yesterday, seemed to be clear and overwhelming support for Imran Khan’s candidate Salman Akram Raja

One of the most questionable results in a badly tainted election https://t.co/m83grPDJlH

— Secunder Kermani (@SecKermani) February 9, 2024