ISLAMABAD: The Senate elections in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa were postponed by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Tuesday following a plea from Opposition members. They sought the delay due to a dispute with the provincial government regarding the oath-taking of newly elected MPAs on reserved seats.
Meanwhile, polling commenced for vacant Senate seats in the National Assembly and two provincial assemblies. The ruling alliance, comprised of PML-N, PPP, MQM-P, and other smaller parties, is poised to secure a two-thirds majority in the upper house of Parliament.
Initially, the plan was to elect 48 senators, with 11 each from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, 12 each from Punjab and Sindh, and two from Islamabad.
However, with 18 senators already elected unopposed from Punjab and Balochistan, the elections will now fill 30 vacant seats, with 59 candidates vying for Senate positions.
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the Opposition requested the ECP to postpone the polls, citing the unsworn status of 25 of their party members.
Despite a recent court order mandating the oath-taking, the KP Speaker filed a review petition on the eve of the polling.
Regarding the Senate elections in Punjab, seven senators have been elected unopposed, leaving five seats to be contested. Political calculations indicate an advantage for the PML-N and its allies, particularly in technocrat and women’s seats.
In Sindh, the PPP is expected to secure most of the seats, with MQM-P likely to succeed in one seat. Reports suggest an understanding between PPP and MQM-P to support an independent candidate, Faisal Vawda. PTI-backed independent candidates are also in contention, but their victory prospects appear slim.
In Islamabad, the PPP and PML-N have fielded candidates for the two Senate seats, with the ruling coalition expected to maintain its dominance.
The outcome of the elections is anticipated to strengthen the ruling coalition’s position in the Senate, with PTI likely to retain its status as the single largest party. Despite potential opposition from newly elected senators, legislative proceedings are expected to proceed according to the ruling coalition’s agenda.
