Elections 1970

Background:
Pakistan gained independence from British rule in 1947, splitting into two wings: West Pakistan
(present-day Pakistan) and East Pakistan (present-day Bangladesh).
The country experienced political instability, with periods of military rule interspersed with
civilian governments.
In 1970, General Yahya Khan, the President of Pakistan, announced plans for general elections,
marking a return to civilian rule.
Preparation for Elections:
The election preparations began with the announcement of a new electoral system based on
adult franchise, allowing all citizens aged 21 and above to vote.
Political parties across Pakistan, including East and West Pakistan, prepared for the elections.
The main contenders were the Awami League led by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the Pakistan
Peoples Party led by Zulfikar Ali Bhutto.
Election Day:
The elections took place on December 7, 1970, with millions of Pakistanis casting their votes
to elect members of the National Assembly.
The voting was peaceful overall, with high voter turnout, especially in East Pakistan.
Results:
The results of the elections were surprising and had far-reaching consequences.
In East Pakistan, the Awami League won a landslide victory, securing the majority of seats.
This victory was seen as a mandate for greater autonomy for East Pakistan.
In West Pakistan, the Pakistan Peoples Party emerged as the largest party, but it did not secure
an overall majority.
Aftermath:
The election results highlighted the deep political and ethnic divisions between East and West
Pakistan.
Negotiations between the political leaders to form a government failed, primarily due to the
unwillingness of the West Pakistani leaders to accept the Awami League's demand for greater
autonomy.
The failure to resolve these issues led to increasing tensions and eventually to the Bangladesh
Liberation War in 1971.
The war resulted in the independence of Bangladesh and marked the end of the united Pakistan.
Legacy:
The 1970 elections are remembered as a critical juncture in Pakistani history, leading to the
breakup of the country and the emergence of Bangladesh as an independent nation.
They underscored the importance of addressing political, economic, and cultural grievances to
maintain the unity of a diverse nation.
The elections also highlighted the challenges of democracy in a country with deep-seated ethnic
and linguistic divisions.
These elections were pivotal in shaping the course of South Asian history and continue to be
studied for their impact on Pakistani politics and society.