The recent general elections in Pakistan have left the country in a state of uncertainty, as no single party has obtained a simple majority to form a government. This situation raises questions about what comes next and who will be the next prime minister. The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), led by former Prime Minister Imran Khan, emerged as the largest party with the backing of independent candidates who won 93 out of the 256 National Assembly seats. However, this falls short of the 169 seats required to secure a majority.
The Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N), led by former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, came in second with 75 seats. Despite being seen as having the backing of the country’s powerful military, PML-N could not secure a majority either. The Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), led by Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, secured 54 seats, positioning them as the third largest party.
As per the constitution, political parties need to form a government by 29th February, three weeks after the election. However, with the absence of a simple majority for any party, the formation of a coalition government appears to be inevitable. The PTI and PML-N have both declared victory, but negotiations are ongoing to find a common ground.
Several scenarios are being considered for the formation of a coalition government. One likely scenario involves the PML-N forming a coalition with the PPP and other smaller parties. This alliance had previously worked together to remove Imran Khan from power in 2022. The division of power, including the position of the next prime minister, is a central sticking point in these negotiations.
Additionally, the PML-N is courting the support of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), which won 17 seats, and independent candidates to strengthen their position. On the other hand, the PPP is taking its time to consider its options, with the central executive committee scheduled to meet soon.
Imran Khan’s PTI, despite being the largest party, might choose to sit in the opposition benches if it fails to gather a majority. This decision aligns with Khan’s earlier sentiment of a coalition government being weak. However, the current political landscape is unconventional, and unexpected outcomes cannot be ruled out.
The role of the military in this election has also come under scrutiny, with allegations of vote-rigging and unfair treatment towards certain parties. Voters who did not support Imran Khan may feel a sense of injustice and may have chosen independent candidates as a message to the military to promote civilian democracy.
Another possibility that has been suggested is PTI-backed candidates joining a smaller party to form a coalition government. This strategy would allow them to combine their seats and take advantage of the reserved seats for women in the National Assembly.
Despite these potential options, forming a coalition government remains a significant challenge. The PTI will need to reach out to smaller parties, but even with these alliances, they may still fall short of a majority. This uncertainty surrounding the formation of a government will have implications for the country’s stability and progress.
As Pakistan navigates through this period of uncertainty, it is important for political leaders and institutions to prioritize the stability of the nation and work towards a consensus. The formation of a strong and inclusive government will be vital in addressing the crises faced by the country and ensuring the democratic principles are upheld.
In the coming days, it is crucial for all parties involved to engage in constructive dialogue, uphold the rule of law, and respect the democratic process. The outcome of these negotiations will shape the future of Pakistan and determine who will lead the country as its next prime minister.
