The busiest centre of activity right now is Raiwind, where the PML-N and Mian Nawaz Sharif work out their strategy. PHOTO: AFP
We often forget that elections are only the first step in the far more important process of forming government and getting on with the task of running national affairs. After the colourful dramatics of balloting itself, the events taking place now are far quieter ones, as meetings are held behind closed doors. The busiest centre of activity right now is, of course, Raiwind, where the PML-N and Mian Nawaz Sharif — set for his third stint as prime minister — work out their strategy and consider the options. Some matters are, of course, easy to decide: in Punjab, where the PML-N has a two-thirds majority, the party will comfortably form the government. It requires no partners this time to do so.
At the centre too, the PML-N, inching closer and closer to a 130-seat mark, can easily enough round up the few independents needed to make up 136 — and gain a simple majority in the National Assembly with its 272 seats. However, in a mature political move, Nawaz Sharif is reportedly keen to include the PML-F and political parties of Balochistan in his government. The inclusion of the Baloch could prove an important gesture, and a wise one, considering the need to settle unrest in that disturbed province. For the government in Quetta, too, the PML-N is planning an alliance with political parties of the province.
While Sindh will stay with the PPP, it is in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa that the most complications arise. As the party with the largest number of seats in that house, the PTI has the constitutional right to be allowed to form the government first. We must hope this democratic right will be respected — with the PML-N apparently considering making a bid to form the government here too, and evade possible clashes with the PTI over issues linked to militancy and Afghanistan. We hope the right thing will be done. At this point, cooperation is required. With the PPP holding a majority over the PML-N in the Senate till 2015, the former ruling party can block legislation. But this ability must not be used maliciously, so the government can move smoothly and attempt to meet key needs.
Published in The Express Tribune, May 14th, 2013.
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The best thing would be to accept the election results no matter how one sided and blood stained they are. The best thing is the two rightwing parties endorsed and protected by TTP can make govts in KPK and Pakistan. It is particularly imp that PTI makes the KPK govt as the largest party. However, in my opinion they have no chance to muster enough coalition partners for majority. Their repeat insults of almost all other parties except JI would not help them to muster enough votes even in KPK assembly. In addition the establishment would not want to use up its last card and would keep IK in the opposition so he can be used effectively on a later date. This would be tragic as it is high time to demand the two rightwing parties to fulfill their promises to eliminate terrorism, stop drones and power shortage to name a few.