Yesterday, on February 8th, 2024, marked the election day in Pakistan, a day where citizens exercise their democratic right to vote, a cornerstone of any functioning democracy. However, what should have been a straightforward process turned into a challenging and disheartening ordeal for many, including myself.
As a responsible citizen, I was determined to cast my vote despite the obstacles in my path. Little did I know, my journey would be riddled with difficulties right from the start. Armed with the intention to fulfill my civic duty, I embarked on a quest to locate my assigned polling station in Rawalpindi, only to find it hidden away in an inaccessible location.
Navigating the streets of Rawalpindi on a wheelchair proved to be a daunting task, as I traversed through four public schools in search of my polling station. The lack of accessibility in our public infrastructure became glaringly apparent, as I struggled to reach my destination.
To add hurdles, the absence of internet services meant that popular ride-hailing apps like Careem, Yango, and InDrive were unavailable, leaving me at the mercy of cab drivers. The exorbitant fare of 2500 rupees for the voting trip felt like a heavy toll, but I begrudgingly paid it, acknowledging the cab driver's unwavering support throughout my ordeal.
Finally reaching my polling booth with only ten minutes left until closing time at 5 pm, I felt a sense of relief mixed with frustration at the challenges I had to overcome. Little did I know, the trials of the day were far from over.
As the evening unfolded, the initial results indicated a landslide victory for PTI, with a substantial lead over its competitors. However, the joy of witnessing democracy in action was short-lived, as the results remained unconfirmed until the early hours of the morning.
To my astonishment, the results had changed overnight, with N league emerging as the apparent winner. The abrupt shift in outcomes left me questioning the integrity of the electoral process and the true nature of democracy in Pakistan.
The subsequent declaration of results on February 9th only added insult to justice, highlighting the lack of transparency and fairness in the electoral process. PPP, which was poised to win in Lahore, suddenly found itself trailing behind, raising further doubts about the legitimacy of the results.
As a taxpayer and a responsible citizen, I can't help but feel disillusioned by the events that transpired on election day. Despite my efforts to participate in the democratic process, it seems that my voice, along with those of countless others, has been drowned out by political maneuvering and manipulation.
The government must reevaluate its priorities and address the systemic issues that plague our electoral system. True democracy can only thrive when every citizen's voice is heard and every vote counts. Until then, the journey to a truly democratic Pakistan remains fraught with obstacles and uncertainties.
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