Shop owner Muhammed Iqrar in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, notes the unusual lack of activity in his area with the upcoming general elections less than a month away. Once filled with colorful buntings, banners, and blaring music, Muslim Town is now quiet and subdued, reflecting the lack of political fervor in the lead-up to the delayed national elections on February 8.
The presence of the main opposition party, led by jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan, has been marred by allegations of rigging and legal hurdles that have dampened the overall enthusiasm around the elections. Khan’s party was stripped of its election symbol by the Supreme Court, leaving them to contest as independents with individual symbols.
Residents and shop owners in Rawalpindi, such as Maqbool Sharif Toor and Muhammed Iqrar, highlight the lack of interest and excitement in the election campaign compared to previous years. They point to the sidelining of opposition parties and the uncertain security situation as reasons for the subdued atmosphere.
Despite the Supreme Court’s directives and assurances from the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), uncertainty still looms over whether the elections will proceed as scheduled, with voters expressing skepticism and doubt.
The delay in finalizing the candidates for the major parties, including PMLN and PPP, has further contributed to the subdued campaign atmosphere. Print business owner Waleed Ashfaq notes the lack of orders for political merchandise and attributes it to a sense of disinterest among the public.
Overall, the muted political campaigning and lack of public engagement are seen as deliberate tactics by analysts to control the nature of the campaigning and potentially influence voter turnout in favor of certain parties. The absence of key opposition figures, legal hurdles, and a general disillusionment among voters have contributed to the low energy and interest in the upcoming elections.