Former Prime Minister of Pakistan, Nawaz Sharif, had anticipated a smooth victory for his party in the parliamentary elections, positioning him for a fourth term at the helm. However, Sharif finds himself navigating a challenging path to power amidst surprising developments in the election results.
Independent candidates, backed by Sharif’s incarcerated rival, Imran Khan, have taken the lead in the vote count, showcasing unexpectedly strong performance. This contradicts earlier assertions by Khan’s supporters and a national rights body, which hinted at possible manipulation of the voting process in favor of Sharif.
The unexpected turn of events has disrupted Sharif’s plans and the support of the security establishment, prompting him to announce efforts to establish a coalition government on Friday. Just a day prior, Sharif had vehemently rejected the idea of forming a coalition, expressing his preference for a single-party government to lead Pakistan for a full five-year term.
Khan, a former cricket icon turned Islamist politician with a significant grassroots following, was disqualified from participating in the election due to criminal convictions. He contends that his sentences and pending legal cases against him are politically motivated.
As candidates from Khan’s party were barred from using their party symbol—a cricket bat—to assist illiterate voters in identifying them on the ballot, they were compelled to run as independents.
Independent candidates have secured at least 99 seats, with the majority aligning with Khan’s support. Meanwhile, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has secured 71 seats, with the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) trailing behind with 53 seats.
KEYPOINTS
Nawaz Sharif Urges Coalition Formation as Election Dynamics Shift
Former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has reached out to potential allies, signaling the need for a coalition government to address Pakistan’s challenges. Speaking to supporters on Friday, Sharif acknowledged the insufficient majority of his party and extended invitations to others to join hands in steering the country forward.
Meanwhile, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman Gohar Khan claims his party’s internal tally indicates the potential to secure a total of 150 seats, which could pave the way for forming a government. However, the requirement for a majority in the 336-seat National Assembly stands at 169 seats, posing a challenge to any single party.
International observers have also weighed in on the electoral process. Matthew Miller, a spokesperson from the U.S. State Department, criticized the elections for imposing unwarranted constraints on fundamental freedoms such as expression, association, and peaceful assembly, highlighting concerns about the democratic process.
Amidst the political maneuvering, clashes erupted between supporters of Imran Khan protesting alleged vote-rigging and security forces in the northwest district of Shangla. The confrontation led to two fatalities and six injuries, as confirmed by police official Sadique Khan, underscoring the tensions surrounding the election outcomes.
With the prime minister chosen by parliament, the unexpected success of candidates backed by Imran Khan underscores the evolving dynamics of Pakistani politics. Sharif finds himself in a position where garnering support from across the political spectrum becomes imperative if he aims to reclaim leadership and address the nation’s pressing issues.
