ISLAMABAD: The anticipation and excitement are palpable in Islamabad on Sunday as members of the parliament gather for the election of the new Prime Minister. In a symbolic gesture of unity, the PML-N central leader and ex-prime minister Shehbaz Sharif, the candidate representing the coalition parties, orchestrated a lavish breakfast for the attending members.
The event, hosted by the PML-N and its coalition partners, welcomed members with a spread featuring a delectable assortment of dishes. Halwa, Puri, naan, chicken gram, double roti, sandwiches, tea, green tea, and coffee were among the offerings, creating an atmosphere of camaraderie and fostering connections among the political representatives.
The main highlight of the day revolves around the fierce competition for the coveted position of Prime Minister between Shehbaz Sharif and Umar Ayub from the PTI. Shehbaz Sharif, also the President of PML-N, has garnered support from the People’s Party, MQM Pakistan. In contrast, Umar Ayub, supported by the Sunni Ittehad Council, is making a formidable bid for the premiership. Notably, JUIF has chosen to remain neutral in this crucial election.
With 326 seats in the House, a simple majority of 169 votes is needed to secure the Prime Ministership. Currently, PML-N and its allies command a coalition with 200 votes, while Tehreek-e-Insaf-supported Sunni Ittehad Council holds a potential 92 votes. The stage is set for a nail-biting contest that could shape the political landscape for the foreseeable future.
As the clock ticks down to the commencement of the election process, bells are set to ring for five minutes, urging all members to gather inside the assembly. Once inside, a strict protocol will be followed, disallowing any member to leave the National Assembly hall or enter until the election concludes.
The election procedure involves the Speaker reading out the names of the nominated candidates, followed by a methodical division of the House for the voting process. Each member registers their vote at the lobby door, indicating their preferred candidate, and subsequently waits in the lobby until the voting is finalized. The Speaker will then announce the results, prompting a two-minute bell signaling members to return to the House.
In a climactic moment, the Speaker will declare the successful candidate as the Leader of the National Assembly, officially bestowing upon them the title of Prime Minister of the country. The outcome of this election will undoubtedly shape the course of Pakistan’s political landscape in the coming years.
