Election Commission delays KP Senate polls; ruling coalition secures major victory in other region selection commission delays KP Senate polls

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has postponed the Senate elections in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) due to ongoing controversies surrounding the oath-taking of opposition lawmakers. Despite this, the ruling coalition, led by the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), achieved a significant victory in the Senate elections, winning 19 of the seats and bolstering its majority in the upper house.

Following the election, the Senate’s strength has increased to 85 members, with the ruling coalition now holding 59 seats. This majority positions the alliance favourably for passing legislation through both houses of parliament. The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) made a notable showing, securing 11 seats and accounting for a quarter of the Senate’s composition, although this balance may shift after KP’s 11 seats are contested.

The Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), currently governing KP, has 20 members in the Senate, with PML-N close behind at 19. Other parties, including the Balochistan Awami Party, MQM-P, and the Awami National Party, hold smaller numbers of seats. Additionally, four independents, all affiliated with the ruling coalition, hold seats in the Senate, highlighting the broad base of support for the current government.

In Islamabad, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and PPP’s Rana Mahmoodul Hasan emerged victorious in elections for a technocrat and a general seat, respectively. Their victories, achieved amidst a climate of respect and without the discord seen in previous elections, underline the ruling coalition’s growing strength.

In Sindh, the PPP dominated by winning 10 of the 12 seats, with MQM-P taking one seat. Faisal Vawda, formerly of PTI, secured a seat as an independent senator, with support from PPP and MQM-P. The PPP’s success in Sindh was particularly pronounced in both general and technocrat seats, demonstrating its enduring influence in the region.

Punjab saw PML-N candidates winning key seats, including technocrat, women’s, and minority seats, further consolidating the ruling coalition’s power in the Senate.

The ECP’s decision to postpone the KP Senate elections stems from the incomplete electoral college, attributed to the failure to administer oaths to elected members. This decision has sparked criticism from PTI, which views it as disenfranchising voters and undermining the fairness of the elections.

As the political landscape continues to evolve, the ruling coalition’s recent victories in the Senate elections signal a significant shift in Pakistan’s parliamentary dynamics, setting the stage for potential legislative changes and ongoing political debates in the country.