Similar to the situation at the federal level, no political party has gained a simple majority in the Balochistan Assembly. It is evident that a coalition government will be formed there, but the question remains: Will it be led by the PPP or PML-N?
Number of seats in the assembly:
The Balochistan Assembly consists of 65 seats, with 51 being general seats, 11 reserved for women, and three for non-Muslim minorities.
Party positions in the assembly:
The Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) has emerged as the largest party in the provincial assembly with 11 seats, while the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Jamiat Ulama-e-Islam (JUI) have won 10 seats each. Independent candidates hold the fourth position with 5 seats, none of whom belong to the PTI.
The Balochistan Awami Party (BAP) has secured 4 seats, the National Party (NP) has won 3 seats, and both BNP and ANP have secured two seats each. JI and three other small parties have won one seat each.
Formation of the government:
With no party gaining a simple majority in the house, a coalition government is anticipated, similar to the situation at the federal level. Although the PPP is the largest party with 11 seats, it falls significantly short of the simple majority of 33 seats. Even after receiving its share in the 14 reserved seats, it will not be possible for the PPP to form the government alone.
In the current political scenario, it seems that JUI-F is the kingmaker. If it aligns with the PML-N, the latter will be able to form the government in the province with the support of independent candidates and other small parties. However, if JUI aligns with the PPP, the latter will be in a position to form the government in the province.
It is also expected that the three major parties – PPP, PML-N, and JUI-F – will jointly form a strong government in the province. It will take at least one week to clarify the political atmosphere in this regard.
