Pakistan Election Results: What happens if no party is able to form govt?

Pakistan’s 2024 election has left the nation in a state of uncertainty, with no single party securing a clear majority in the 336-member National Assembly.

Both Nawaz Sharif’s Pakistan Muslim League (N) and Bilawal Bhutto Zardari’s Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) find themselves short of the necessary seats to independently form a government. Meanwhile, Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) faces limitations due to the “symbol-less” status of their independent candidates.

Pakistan Election Results: What happens if no party is able to form govt?

In that case, Pakistan’s army, the most powerful and organised force in the country, may step in to restore order and take power as it has done thrice before in the country’s 76-year history, Reuters reported.

The last time the country was ruled by the army was when in 1999, when then Army chief General Pervaiz Musharraf had overthrown Sharif’s government. Pakistan has spent several decades under military rule (1958–1971, 1977–1988, 1999–2008).

Amidst this deadlock, concerns loom over the possibility of military intervention, a recurring theme in Pakistan’s history. The country has endured multiple periods of military rule, with the army stepping in to take power on three occasions, most recently in 1999 under General Pervez Musharraf.

While political leaders engage in negotiations, three potential scenarios emerge:

1. **Coalition Talks Between PML-N and PPP**: With PML-N securing 74 seats and PPP 53, a coalition between these parties, along with support from smaller groups like MQM-P, PML-Q, and IPP, could muster a parliamentary majority. However, hurdles exist as PPP reportedly demands the premiership for Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, a condition not yet agreed upon by PML-N.

2. **PPP-Led Coalition Government**: Despite Nawaz Sharif and Imran Khan’s parties winning the most seats, neither can govern without PPP’s support. In a bid to secure power, PPP might negotiate for Bilawal Bhutto Zardari to assume the prime ministership.

3. **PTI’s Independent Candidates**: Independent candidates supported by PTI, having won 93 seats, hold potential leverage. By forming alliances with smaller parties or striking deals with other factions, they could consolidate power and nominate a prime ministerial candidate, albeit facing procedural hurdles and political challenges.

As the nation awaits a resolution, the role of Pakistan’s army looms large, with the current army chief urging political parties to prioritize unity and stability. With the specter of military intervention in the background, Pakistan stands at a critical juncture, navigating the complexities of its democratic process amidst political deadlocks.