Hmmmm . . . sounds vaguely familiar.

Other than the part where the criminal candidate is actually in prison.

Pakistan's second and third political blocs have agreed to co-operate after elections in which jailed ex-PM Imran Khan's supporters came first. Ex-PM Nawaz Sharif's PMLN and Bilawal Bhutto Zardari's PPP issued a statement saying they planned to work together to bring political stability. If they do form a government, the move is likely to anger Mr Khan's followers.

Are elections won by the person who says they won first?

No, but getting the most votes doesn't mean you get to govern.