Parliamentary elections in Pakistan 1985
The parliamentary elections in Pakistan in 1985 took place on February 25 and 28, 1985. The members of the National Assembly and the Senate were elected. Zia ul Haq stated that no parties should be allowed in the elections. The turnout was 52.93%
background
Zia ul Haq came under increasing domestic political pressure in the early 1980s, and after their release from prison in 1982 and 1984 , the Nusrat Bhutto and Benazir Bhutto complained about human rights violations by the military government of Zia ul Haq while traveling abroad in the USA and England. They also stated that Zia ul Haq was not prepared to restore democracy in Pakistan . Zia ul Haq tried to restore democracy in Pakistan. He held local elections. The local elections were successful and Zia ul Haq also wanted to hold the elections at the national level. Zia ul Haq announced that it would hold the 1985 elections, but without allowing parties. With the 1985 elections, Zia ul Haq wanted to ensure that only candidates who would follow him move into parliament. However, some parties refused to participate in the elections. Zia ul Haq continued to try to weaken the parties through laws.
Election campaign
A total of 1300 candidates took part in the election. In the run-up to the elections, Zia ul Haq announced that candidates would be banned from campaigning on TV and radio. The candidates were also not allowed to appear at public events. The candidates had to convince the voters in a face-to-face conversation and had only very limited opportunities to campaign. A total of 1300 candidates took part in the election. It was expected that few people would vote. But more people voted than expected. This was related to the fact that Zia ul Haq promised to repeal martial law after the election. Many well-known politicians did not succeed in asserting themselves in their constituencies. Many unknown politicians were elected to parliament. The political landscape was completely changed by the elections. Most of the newly elected politicians were willing to cooperate with the military government of Zia ul Haq. They hoped for a quick end to martial law.
Result
The election winner was Muhammad Khan Junejo, who was appointed Prime Minister.
Individual evidence
- ↑ a b Pakistan General Elections 1985 (English)
- ↑ Elections held on non-party basis Dawn News, August 9, 2015 (English)
- ↑ Dieter Nohlen , Florian Grotz & Christof Hartmann (2001) Elections in Asia: A data handbook, Volume I , p. 678
- ↑ Dieter Nohlen , Florian Grotz & Christof Hartmann (2001) Elections in Asia: A data handbook, Volume I , p. 678
- ↑ Elections 1985 (English)
