ISLAMABAD: Independent candidates linked to jailed former prime minister Imran Khan appeared Friday to be headed to victory in Pakistan's election, local media tallies said, as a long delay in official results sparked fears of vote-rigging. Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) was barred from contesting Thursday's election as a bloc, but unofficial tallies by local TV channels showed independent candidates — including dozens anointed by his party — leading in the most constituencies. AFP photoThe first two official results — with both seats going to PTI candidates — were announced shortly after 4:30 a.m. (2330 GMT) more than 11 hours after polling ended. However, local TV channels said the party had performed poorly — with Sharif trailing his opponent in one of the constituencies he contested. The Pakistan People's Party (PPP) appeared to be doing better than expected, with leader Bilawal Bhutto Zardari saying early results were "very encouraging."

Source: Manila Times February 09, 2024 16:23 UTC