Next Pakistani general election

Next Pakistani general election

TBD
All 336 seats in the National Assembly 169 seats needed for a majority
Leader Shehbaz Sharif Gohar Ali Khan Bilawal Bhutto Zardari Party PML(N) PTI PPP Last election 108 seats 94 seats 73 seats Seats needed 61 75 96
National Assembly constituencies
Incumbent Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif PML(N)

General elections are expected to be held in Pakistan by 28 May 2029. Elections are required within 60 days of the National Assembly completing its term, with the National Assembly elected in 2024 scheduled to complete its term on 28 February 2029, meaning elections must take place by 29 April 2029. If the dissolution of the Assembly occurs earlier, elections must be held within 90 days of the dissolution. If the Assembly is dissolved on 27 February 2029, elections must be held by 28 May 2029.[1]

Background

The most recent general elections in Pakistan took place on 8 February 2024. During these elections, the Pakistan Muslim League (N) (PML (N)) secured 108 seats, the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) secured 81 seats, and the Pakistan People's Party Parliamentarians (PPPP) secured 68 seats. This equation occurred after independents had joined various political parties and reserved seats had been allocated. On Election Day, independents won a total of 103 seats, with 93 unofficially backed by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). However, PTI candidates were unable to contest under the party banner due to the Election Commission of Pakistan's ruling that PTI had failed to conduct intra-party elections in accordance with the party's constitution. Subsequently, 81 members supported by PTI joined SIC after the election.[2]

On 3 March 2024, the election for the position of prime minister occurred. Shehbaz Sharif, representing PML (N), was re-elected as Prime Minister of Pakistan for the second time, securing 201 votes compared to the 92 votes received by Omar Ayub Khan, an Independent candidate. As no single party in the assembly had a clear majority of 169 members, Sharif won with the combined support of PML (N) allies, major of them being the PPPP. Khan had backing from SIC members.[3]

On 3 March 2024, Gohar Ali Khan was elected unopposed as the chairman of PTI,[4] and took on the leadership role in accordance with the party's constitution.[5] On 2 April 2024, Omar Ayub Khan was designated as the leader of the opposition in the National Assembly of Pakistan.[6]

A by-election for a combined total of 22 seats across the National Assembly and three provincial assemblies (Punjab, Balochistan, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa) took place on 21 April 2024. PML (N) secured the most seats with 12 wins, while PPPP, SIC, and independent candidates each garnered 2 seats. Additionally, Pakistan Muslim League (Q), Awami National Party, Balochistan National Party (Mengal), and Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party each claimed one victory.[7]

References

1. "Chapter 2: Electoral Laws and Conduct of Elections". Pakistani.org. 1973. Archived from the original on 18 March 2024. Retrieved 1 March 2024.
2. "PML-N becomes largest party in National Assembly with 108 MNAs". Frontier Post. 24 February 2024. Archived from the original on 24 February 2024. Retrieved 25 February 2024.
3. "Shehbaz Sharif returns as prime minister for second time". The News International. 3 March 2024. Archived from the original on 3 March 2024. Retrieved 3 March 2024.
4. "Dawood Kakar elected as PTI Balochistan president". ARY. 3 March 2024. Archived from the original on 17 March 2024. Retrieved 2 April 2024.
5. "PTI Constitution". Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf. 8 June 2017. Archived from the original on 14 March 2024. Retrieved 2 April 2024.
6. "Ex-PM Khan's aide, Omar Ayub, appointed as opposition leader in Pakistan's National Assembly". Arab News. 2 April 2024. Retrieved 2 April 2024.
7. "By-Elections 2024 Result Dashboard". Dunya News. 21 April 2024. Retrieved 2 May 2024.