A recent IPSOS survey sheds light on public perceptions regarding the transparency and integrity of Pakistan’s February 8th general elections.
According to the survey, a significant majority, comprising 58% of Pakistani citizens, deemed the elections as fair and transparent, dismissing allegations of rigging put forth by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).
The survey, conducted among over 3,000 individuals across all four provinces, revealed varying sentiments among different regions.
While 73% of respondents in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa reported witnessing large-scale rigging, the sentiment was lowest in Sindh. Interestingly, 45% of Balochistan’s population supported the shutdown of Internet services on election day.
In terms of provincial breakdown, 63% of respondents in Punjab, 62% in Sindh, and 55% in Balochistan perceived the elections as transparent. However, the sentiment was less favorable in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Islamabad, where 33% and 39% of respondents, respectively, believed the elections were rigged.
Regarding the suspension of mobile services, opinions varied across regions. While 16% in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and 45% in Balochistan viewed the measure favorably, sentiments differed in other provinces.
