ISLAMABAD: Today marks a pivotal day in Pakistani politics as lawmakers across the country cast their votes to elect the 14th president. The elections which commenced at 10 am and is set to conclude at 4 pm.
The two prominent contenders for the presidency are Asif Ali Zardari, the joint candidate of the ruling coalition led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and Mahmood Khan Achakzai, backed by the opposition under the leadership of imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan.
Asif Ali Zardari and Mahmood Khan Achakzai’s Backing
Asif Ali Zardari, a leader of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), stands poised to secure his second term as president if successful in this election. He is supported by the PML-N, PPP, and other allied parties in the coalition government. On the other side, Mahmood Khan Achakzai, President of the Pakhtunkhwa Mili Awami Party, represents the joint opposition candidate.
Polling Stations and Agents
The respective houses of parliament serve as the polling stations, with the Parliament House in Islamabad catering to senators and members of the National Assembly. The four provincial assemblies are responsible for the polling of their respective lawmakers. PPP Senator Sherry Rehman is acting as Asif Ali Zardari’s polling agent, while Senator Shafiq Tareen represents Achakzai.
Boycotts and Support
JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman has chosen not to participate in the election, and the Jamaat-e-Islami has also decided to boycott, citing concerns about the authenticity of the process. However, parties like MQM, PPP, PML-N, National Party, BAP, and BNP have declared their support for Asif Ali Zardari.
Voting in Provincial Assemblies
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 118 members of the provincial assembly are exercising their voting rights. In Punjab, 400 ballot papers have been printed for the election, and in Sindh, Chief Justice Aqeel Abbasi is acting as the presiding officer. The MQM has decided to vote for Asif Ali Zardari in Sindh.
In Balochistan, several parties have pledged their support for Asif Ali Zardari, while the BNP-Awami has decided to boycott the election, and the stance of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam is unclear.
Polling Guidelines and Security Measures
Election commission sources have issued directions for lawmakers to cast their votes through a secret ballot. Strict security measures have been implemented across Islamabad’s Red Zone, with over 600 police personnel deployed to ensure the smooth conduct of the electoral process.
Anticipation and Speculation
As the clock ticks closer to the conclusion of voting, anticipation and speculation are rife regarding the outcome of this closely contested presidential election. All eyes are on the assembly as representatives prepare to exercise their democratic right and shape the future leadership of the nation.
This election not only decides the presidency but also reflects the political dynamics in Pakistan, with the ruling coalition and the opposition vying for influence. The results will undoubtedly have a significant impact on the country’s political landscape, shaping its direction in the coming years. Stay tuned for further updates as the nation awaits the announcement of its 14th president.
