I have closely observed all Pakistani election since 1970

Although the Pak Army has always manipulated almost all elections, this time around the pre poll rigging has vastly exceeded all previous records. All surveys indicate that PTI (Imran Khan's party) is favored by a wide majority of voters. Yet, Imran Khan is in jail, sentenced on flimsy charges, rushed through courts via illegal procedures. More than 10,000 PTI supporters are in jail for 9 months - without any charge or trial. Dozens of candidates have been arrested while dozens are in hiding. PTI candidates can't hold election campaigns and their banners are torn down by police. It is a travesty to call this excercise elections.