In a blog dated February 5th, 2023, I was among the first to report the likelihood of PTI employing “proxies” to support independent candidates, potentially reaching out to Majlis-e-Wahdat-e-Muslameen and JUP-Sherani. Chairman Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen Allama Raja Nasir Abbas met Khan at Adiala Jail soon after a resounding lead by Independents, mostly from PTI. It was subsequently announced that PTI candidates would be joining MMM ranks, with only one existing seat reportedly in the National Assembly.
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In a series of blunders by PTI, this decision adds to their growing list of missteps. Effectively, it means that even with reserve seats, a simple majority of 169 seats or more is required for a party or coalition to form a government is not likely. This implies that neither the Independents nor PML-N nor PPP are in a position to form a government at the center without joining hands with at least one other entity.
The 72-hour window awarded to Independents to join a political party after election results are announced leaves the door of PTI wide open for Independents to be lured away. They are under no legal compulsion to toe the former party line.
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Secondly, it once again reflects upon the poor political acumen of Imran Khan by refusing to join hands with other winners for the larger good of the country. This is the need of the hour.
Thirdly, in my opinion, PTI should have joined PPP to stay in the mainstream, remain in the government, form a stronger coalition at the center, and have a stronger footing in the provinces. Along with this, they could have filed for a recount decision on seats they had reservations about, where the mandate was allegedly taken away from them, from a more secure position.
Like PTI, PML-N lacks any economic vision to steer the country out of the economic precipice. Following the lines laid down by the IMF while simultaneously generating income and expanding markets for exports with security stability is a crucial and pressing responsibility of the incoming government.
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Why PPP? The reason is simple. Both Nawaz Sharif and Shahbaz Sharif are getting on in years. This may be their last stint in elections. Maryam Nawaz is still an untested quantity in any serious administrative position, and minus Nawaz, the party is bound to lose a lot of clout within party ranks. Bilawal Bhutto Zardari is a young man in his early forties with years of politics stretching ahead of him. He has already proven himself with a brilliant stint as the Foreign Minister. Secondly, Asif Zardari will move heaven and earth to make his tenure a successful one for his future, which includes tackling the financial aspect.
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The writer is a lawyer, academic and political analyst. She has authored a book titled ‘A Comparative Analysis of Media & Media Laws in Pakistan.’ She can be contacted at: yasmeenali62@gmail.com and tweets at @yasmeen_9
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