Election crisis in Pakistan, both sides declare victory

 The results of the elections held on February 8 for the National Assembly and provincial assemblies in Pakistan continue to come. While the Election Commission announced the distribution of 250 seats in the National Assembly, where candidates competed for 266 seats, both detained former prime minister Imran Khan and former prime minister Nawaz Sharif declared the 'victory' of their parties. Although the unofficial election results are starting to become clear, no political force or party in the country has achieved a clear majority. While it was stated that the number of independent MPs supported by Imran Khan's party, Pakistan Justice Movement (PTI), was 98, Khan made a 'victory' statement in the message he sent from the prison where he was held, pointing to the number of MPs. Former Prime Minister Sharif also stated that they emerged as the first party in the elections after the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), which he led, won 71 seats and called on other parties to form a coalition with them. According to the data shared by the Election Commission, apart from the candidates supported by the two former prime ministers, the Pakistan People's Party (PPP) led by Bilawal Bhutto Zardari won 53 seats. According to the preliminary results, PTI is leading the elections in the National Assembly over PML-N and PPP. These three parties are followed by the United People's Movement (MQM-P) with 17 seats. Imran Khan, who has been detained since August, addressed his supporters with a video prepared using artificial intelligence and said that his party had won a 'great victory'. Han said, "I congratulate each of you on winning the 2024 election. You have made history." On the other hand, PML-N and PPP, the parties that came second and third in the elections after the independent candidates supported by Imran Khan, agreed to form a coalition government in the National Assembly and the Punjab Assembly.