so PTI might not have won these elections but pls enough with all the negativity and fb jabs. this is the first time in pakistan’s history that an elected govt completed a full 5 yr term, voter turnout was spectacular in spite of attacks on political parties and polling stations (about 60%), first-time voters and pakistan’s youth were energized as never before, the brave people of khyber pakhtunkhwa voted for PTI and against oppressive imperial violence, sharif’s govt is likely to face some tough opposition in the yrs to come, and imran khan will have plenty of time to consolidate his political base. PTI’s most remarkable achievement is that it decimated pakistan’s two party system. can we even imagine that happening in american politics? it’s incredible. i also hope that these elections have put to rest, once and for all, the condescending racist debate on whether people are ready for democracy in a country like pakistan. as we all saw today, yes – not only are they ready to be a part of the political process but they’re willing to die for it. democracy is never just about winning elections. it’s about what happens the following day, the following week, the following year. the real work starts now. let’s get on with it.