PPP’s co-chairman, Zardari, will compete against Mahmood Khan Achakzai, who has PTI-SIC support, for a prestigious position on March 9. Zardari has the backing of PML-N, PML-Q, and other parties. Bilawal learns of securing 345 electoral votes.
Asif Ali Zardari, Co-Chairman of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), is expected to win the presidential election, according to Geo News, which cites sources. PPP, in alliance with Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) after the 2024 nationwide polls, secured 345 electoral votes for Zardari’s candidacy.
The presidential election, scheduled for March 9, will see Zardari competing for the prestigious position. PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari was informed about this achievement by the campaign committee members during a briefing session.
In the upcoming election, Zardari, a veteran politician and former president (2008-2013), will compete against Mahmood Khan Achakzai, PkMAP chairman, who has been nominated as the presidential candidate by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)-supported Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC). Zardari, aiming for a second presidential term, has the backing of Nawaz-led party, Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P), Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q), Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP), and others, as he replaces outgoing president Dr. Arif Alvi.
The process of electing the president, who serves as the nation’s head of state and symbolizes the unity of the republic, is regulated by law. To be eligible for this position, one must be a Muslim aged 45 or older and meet the criteria for becoming a Member of the National Assembly (MNA).
The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) initiates the election procedure by announcing the poll date, a step already executed by the top electoral body. The president is elected through a secret ballot in a special session involving the parliament, Senate, and all four provincial assemblies, as per Article 41(3) of the Constitution.
The Electoral College, consisting of 692 votes, comprises 96 senators, 336 Members of the National Assembly (MNAs), and 260 votes from the four provincial assemblies. These lawmakers attend the electoral event. The candidate securing the highest number of votes is declared the winner by the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), and the federal government announces the results via a public notification.
