ISLAMABAD: Asif Ali Zardari, the joint candidate of the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), emerged victorious in the presidential election, thereby clinching the esteemed position as the 14th President of Pakistan. Securing 411 votes, Asif Ali Zardari has decisively clinched the presidency, with Achakzai trailing behind with 181 votes.
This pivotal election, conducted through the secrecy of the ballot, took place across the country’s national and provincial assemblies. Zardari, whose candidacy enjoyed the backing of the ruling coalition composed of PML-N, PPP, and Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P), faced stiff competition from Mahmood Khan Achakzai, representing the Sunni Ittehad Council.
The electoral process involved the participation of members from the Senate, National Assembly, and provincial assemblies, collectively constituting the Electoral College. Notably, a joint session of the parliament convened in Islamabad to facilitate the voting procedure, where members exercised their democratic rights.
The Election Commission of Pakistan, in its efforts to ensure a fair and transparent election, designated all four assemblies as polling stations for this significant event. This decision aimed to streamline the voting process and uphold the principles of democracy.
With a commanding majority in all assemblies and the Senate, Asif Ali Zardari is poised to embark on his second term as President of Pakistan. However, challenges arose as Mahmood Khan Achakzai, supported by the Sunni Ittehad Council, raised concerns regarding the incomplete nature of the electoral college, urging the Election Commission to delay the election until the college is fully constituted.
In a ceremonial farewell, outgoing President Arif Alvi was accorded a guard of honor at Aiwan-e-Sadr, marking the culmination of his constitutional tenure. Alvi, the 13th president, gracefully concluded his term following the electoral triumph of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party led by former Prime Minister Imran Khan.
