Today, Pakistan witnessed a pivotal moment as its citizens lined up at polling stations for the 2024 general elections. While enthusiasm for exercising their democratic right buzzed through the air, unforeseen hurdles cast a shadow on the day. Widespread internet blackouts shrouded the nation in darkness, disrupting communication and information access. Additionally, logistical issues marred the experience for many, with reports of unprepared booths, missing staff, and malfunctioning equipment.
While many expressed excitement, especially first-time voters, others encountered delays and disorganization at polling stations. Some users shared images of unprepared booths, missing staff, and malfunctioning equipment. Frustration boiled over for some, with complaints ranging from long waiting times to accusations of disenfranchisement.
One user tweeted “As predictable as anything. Polling staff claims that they received the stuff late and won’t open voting until 9,” they said, expressing their anger and frustration. They added, “Returned home after the failure to cast the vote in the second attempt…They say it will take another hour to open the voting. I am sure they will not give extra time after 5 pm! Never experienced this level of election day rigging in Pakistan!”
As predictable as anything… Polling staff claims that they received the stuff late and won’t open voting until 9… Lanat inke muun pe.
DMS School. NA 238 pic.twitter.com/C7dr2VAvap
— Adeel Azhar (@adeel_azhar) February 8, 2024
NA-236
Mostly booths stil banay he nahe hain, na staff hy na saman
Ppl are here 8am sy, some are going back wait kr kr k#GeneralElectionN0W pic.twitter.com/gF79RnGsmz— Afshan Younus (@AfshanYounus) February 8, 2024
These difficulties were compounded by the internet blackout, which disrupted communication and access to information. Another user took to Twitter to talk about the communication blackout. “On the morning of Elections 2024 in Pakistan, the authorities have suspended mobile networks, disrupting voters’ ability to access correct polling station information, to travel to polling stations to vote, barring reporters on the ground from reporting in real-time, and communication.”
On the morning of #Elections2024 in Pakistan, the authorities have suspended mobile networks, disrupting voters’ ability to access correct polling station info, to travel to polling stations to vote, barring reporters on ground from reporting in real time, & communication.
— Hija Kamran (@hijakamran) February 8, 2024
Some users resorted to humour to cope with the situation, sharing memes and jokes expressing their exasperation.
Imran Khan gets in trouble everytime, to ensure jemima still cares pic.twitter.com/RX4FwWe9kL
— mahrukh (@parhloumahrukh) February 7, 2024
Voting time tomorrow: 8 am
Me at 7 am: pic.twitter.com/whXXL0mixl— Pakiza🦋 (@amir_pakiza) February 7, 2024
Me after casting my vote..!! 🏏#GeneralElectionN0W 🗳️ pic.twitter.com/RjA1kJSyu1
— Jamal Jalil (@JamalJalil_97) February 8, 2024
Itni tension last time sirf MCAT main hui the k ink bubble sy bahir na nikl jaye. Dehan sy fold krna paryga ballotpaper. 💀💀💀
— Assad Bajwa (@oyebajwey) February 8, 2024
Despite the challenges, the spirit of democratic participation remained strong. Many citizens shared photos of their inked thumbs, a symbol of their fulfilled civic duty.
Many celebrities like Ayeza Khan, Hamza Ali Abbasi, Shahveer Jafry, Haroon Shahid, Quratulain Baloch, Osman Khalid Butt, and many more also shared photos and messages on social media, proudly displaying their inked thumbs.
As the voting process concluded, the nation entered a period of anticipation. Attention now turns to the results and their potential impact on the country’s future. Whether the elections will usher in a new era of stability or further intensify existing divisions remains to be seen.
