Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif urged voters to give his party a majority in the National Assembly and ruled out forming a coalition government. “For God’s sake! Don’t talk about a coalition government. One-party majority is crucial for the country. We rendered sacrifices to witness the day where we are today. We have to end this culture of abuse and indecency,” Nawaz Sharif was quoted as saying by GeoNews.
The three-time prime minister is contesting from NA-130 in Lahore and is facing Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)-backed candidate Dr Yasmeen Rashid. He cast his votes along with his daughter and party’s chief organiser Maryam Nawaz and Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party leader Awn Chaudhry.
Nawaz told reporters and citizens that one-party rule is needed to bring stability in Pakistan. The PML-N supremo is aiming to win a record fourth term in the 2024 polls. He said PML-N should emerge as the majority party and must not have rule depending on other parties.
“Pakistan needs a healing touch,” Sharif said, taking an indirect jibe at his rival Imran Khan’s party
A clear picture on which party will win the elections will emerge on Friday, Pakistan-based news outlets predicted. Analysts speaking to news media outlets in Pakistan said no party will have a clear majority.
Small parties could play an important role in forming the next Pakistan government. Parties willing to form a government must win 169 seats in the 336-member National Assembly. Voters directly elect 266 members while there are 70 reserved seats — 60 for women and 10 for non-Muslims —allotted according to the number of seats won by each party.
Independents can join any party.
This election has seen a record number of independents fighting for the polls. Most of these independents were backed by the PTI as PTI’s election symbol was removed following a Pakistan apex court order.
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