Cobbling a coalition

The intricate process of forming a government at the Centre is underway marred by fears of the unknown. The PPP’s decision to extend support to the PML-N on the floor of the house, and yet desist from being part of the cabinet is a Machiavellian choice. That squarely means the Bhutto faction will keep the wafer-thin majority dispensation of Sharifs on tenterhooks, and grab the maximum they can out of it. In other words, it means the largesse will be issue-oriented, and with PPP reportedly bagging constitutional high-offices for its stalwarts, the House of Raiwind will be solo on a journey that is fraught with consequences. Likewise, the system support from the MQM with 17 seats will be a colourful dressing of sorts with their own red and yellow cards in the air, as the coalition of the unwilling plans to keep the 90-odd PTI-led Independent legislators on the fences.

While the dye is yet to be cast, it seems some surprises are round the corner as the PTI strikes an understanding with minions in the parliament, especially with the religious far-right MWM. In staking their claim of being the largest chunk in the parliament, it is also eyeing the judicial tribunals for a verdict on the seats that have gone under the hammer. As international and domestic pressure mounts for a judicious inquiry into post-ballot irregularities, the pendulum could swing either way. Even if PTI manages to get back 30-odd seats to its credit, it will be all over for the PML-N as that would be a depletion of Sharifs parliamentary strength.

The scenario is one of abject political instability, and does not bode well for the country. The meltdown in the economy and the soaring fissures on the societal side call for a strong and viable political order. The PTI’s passion to go solo, and to dump the gestures from PPP to be part of a coalition with it, will long be debated on the merits of farsightedness. The least that should be avoided is complicity and confrontation, and let the mandate of the people speak loud and clear.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 14^th, 2024.

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