ISLAMABAD: As the Senate elections concluded at 5pm today (Wednesday) and unofficial results started trickling in, the PPP and PDM candidate, Yousuf Raza Gilani has defeated ruling PTI candidate Dr. Abdul Hafeez Sheikh.
An epic encounter was witnessed in the National Assembly for the Islamabad seat where the PDM candidate Yusuf Raza Gilani was contesting against ruling party candidate Abdul Hafeez Shaikh. As per the unofficial results, Gillani got 169 votes whereas Shaikh could only get 164 votes. Seven votes were rejected by the ECP officials.
Both candidates were seen shaking hands after the announcement of the results. Supporters of Gillani shouted slogans in his favour in the National Assembly. Sources have informed that seven of the total ballots cast in the National Assembly have been set aside; they may be deemed invalid and discarded.
The strength of the National Assembly is 341 (one seat – NA-75 is vacant) and the ruling party candidate apparently enjoyed the support of 180 MNAs. Shaikh’s contender Gilani enjoys the support of 161 MNAs, including 83 of the PML-N, 55 of the PPP and 15 of MMA and the rest of like-minded parties like the ANP, BNP and three out of total four independents.
