PML-N gets another seat, opposition zooms in on KP Senate polls

PESHAWAR/ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Tuesday accepted an application filed by the PML-N concerning the allotment of reserved seats in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly, as the opposition is ready to present a joint front to gain maximum seats in the upcoming Senate polls.

After the Supreme Court’s Constitutional Bench judgment, the ECP had allotted the reserved seats to JUI-F, PML-N, PPP, ANP and PTI-Parliamentarians. However, the Nawaz League had challenged the distribution with an argument that the JUI-F gained an extra reserved seat for minorities

In this connection, the PML-N had sought recalculation of quota and allocation of reserved seats for women and minorities [non-Muslims] on the basis of their seven general seats instead of six.

It means the PML-N has now further increased its strength in the Khyber Assembly by one. The additional seat it has begged is one of those reserved for women.

However, the PML-N can further boost its numbers as the ECP says the fate of one of the reserved seats for minorities would be decided by a toss. The two contenders are PML-N and JUI-F.

On the other hand, the ECP judgment, which was reserved a day earlier, also mentions that toss would also determine the allocation of one of the reserved seats for women between the ANP and the PTI-Parliamentarians.

REALPOLITIK

With the reserved seats judgment, the opposition can now challenge the PTI in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly and the July 21 Senate elections for 11 slots is the first many tests the party founded by Imran Khan may face in the province.

Initially, experts and commentators were claiming that the opposition would go for seven of the 11 available Senate vacancies. However, the opposition is openly suggesting five as the target.

But one cannot rule out surprises given the history of elections involving an electoral college. The defeat of Mir Hasil Bizenjo – the joint opposition candidate who should be a clear winner – in the race for Senate chairman at the hands of Sadiq Sanjrani is the best example.

The PTI is already divided with different groups vying for power while there are some disgruntled members tired of the provincial government and party policies.

It is the reason why there is an ongoing discussion on even bringing a no-confidence motion against Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur.

Read more: ‘Planned PTI movement an attempt to protect Gandapur govt’

FORMULA

So what’s the modus operandi? United opposition, which, sources say, has formulated a strategy to grab three general as well as one each of the women and minorities seats.

For this purpose, the sources claim, the share of JUI-F and PPP is determined at two each, while the PML-N will get one, as the opposition has 53 members – including the new members elected on reserved seats who haven’t yet taken oath – against 92 of PTI in the provincial legislature.

Meanwhile, the ANP and PTI-Parliamentarians lawmakers would also vote for the joint opposition candidates.

The total number of candidates for the 11 seats is 26 – general 16, technocrats six and women four.