The political landscape in Pakistan remains uncertain as the prolonged vote-counting process nears its conclusion, leaving the nation grappling with the elusive prospect of political stability.
Despite hopes for a swift outcome following Thursday's general elections, delays in announcing results have sparked concerns of potential vote rigging.
The Election Commission of Pakistan reports that out of the 265 contested seats in the National Assembly, vote counting in 250 seats has been finalised. Independent candidates, largely backed by imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, have secured 99 seats, emerging as the frontrunners.
Following closely behind are the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) with 71 seats, the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) with 53, and the Muttahida Qaumi Movement with 17 seats, with smaller parties securing the remaining positions.
While the independents have allied with Khan's party, their potential to join any faction introduces a layer of instability, as their loyalties may shift in the future. PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif has initiated talks for a unity government, but the formation of a cohesive administration may take several days to materialise.
Both the PPP, led by former President Asif Ali Zardari and PML-N have put forth contenders for the prime ministerial post. Meanwhile, the PTI leadership is deliberating over which party their supported representatives should align with, aiming to counter Sharif's assertion of PML-N's right to government formation.
The situation is expected to remain fluid until the independents determine their political affiliations. However, the ensuing government will comprise a coalition of various parties, potentially exacerbating rather than alleviating the nation's challenges.
Pakistan's economic woes further compound the situation, with last year's narrow avoidance of default highlighting the urgent need for financial stability. Experts anticipate the new government will seek a fresh IMF program, likely under more stringent conditions.
Across the provinces, stability varies, with PML-N dominating Punjab, PPP leading in Sindh, independents securing Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, and a coalition government anticipated in Balochistan.
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