By Iftikhar Mashwani
ISLAMABAD : Formation of week and unstable coalition government is expected in federal level. As a result of the general elections held on February 8,2024 a hung parliament has come into existence,Where no political party has a simple majority. In such a case, only a coalition government can be formed. Discussions are going on between Pakistan Muslim League (N), Pakistan People’s Party and other small parties including MQM,JUI-F.
The newly elected candidates supported by the imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan have won the maximum number of 93 seats.Pakistan Muslim League (N) has 75 seats and Pakistan People’s Party has 54 seats. The group of independent candidates backed by Pakistan Tehreek Insaf is also looking for allies to form the government.
Sample majority of 169 members will be required to form the government in the 336-members house of the National Assembly. It includes 70 reserved seats. In the coming days, the camel of government formation will sit on a crotch, it can be evaluated.
According to the constitution and law, the President of Pakistan has to call a meeting of the newly elected National Assembly within three weeks of the completion of the general elections.Usually the meeting is called soon after elections.
In first step the election of a new speaker is carried out. After that, the Leader of the House (Prime Minister) is elected, who has to show the support of a simple majority of 169 members in the 336-member House.
There can be more than one candidate for the Prime Minister ship. If the candidate for the Prime Ministership does not get the majority in the first round, there will be a contest between two candidates in the second round. Whoever gets the majority will be declared the Leader of the House. The newly elected Prime Minister will announce his candidacy after taking the oath of office.The interim government will then hand over power to the elected government.
Out of 70 reserved seats in National Assembly, 60 are reserved for women and 10 for non-Muslims.
