Former cricket star Imran Khan has claimed victory in Pakistan’s disputed elections, which have been marred by violence and claims of vote-rigging.
The official results from Wednesday’s vote have not yet been announced. But leaders of almost every political party except Khan’s have alleged ballot-rigging, with some claiming that monitors did not receive final counts or were asked to leave polling stations before tallying was finished.
In a speech on Wednesday afternoon, Khan promised a new method of governance, placing a heavy emphasis on fighting corruption and building Pakistan’s economy.”Today God has taken me to that level, given me an opportunity of a dream. God has given me that chance to fulfill that dream,” he said.
As of Thursday evening, it was still unclear whether Khan’s center-right Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) would secure enough seats in the National Assembly to win an outright majority. Ahead of any official announcement, the 65-year-old’s supporters were already celebrating in the streets of Lahore and Islamabad, dancing and waving flags bearing his image.
A victory by Khan — who has presented himself as a “change” candidate bent on building a “new Pakistan” — would be historic.
