ISLAMABAD: Although Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) has managed to create some sensation in senate elections by fielding former prime minister, Syed Yousaf Raza Gillani , as its joint candidate against general seat of Islamabad, but the number game does not seem in opposition’ s favour.
The national assembly is the electrol college for general seat of Islamabad and its always an important contest.
Since PDM has launched a heavyweight… former prime minister Syed Yousaf Raza Gillani… as a joint candidate of the opposition in senate elections 2021, it became even more interesting and significant. Many see result of this contest as a game changer in Pakistan’s future politics. The opposition takes it as a fundamental point to send Imran Khan’s government packing and other side ..the ruling group.. takes it as a turning point to get stronger politically and complete the remaining period of 5- year term without any major upset.
The opposition’s alliance ..PDM…has 156 votes whereas the ruling alliance has 177 members in the national assembly.
The number game is totally against PDM. If the elections of the upper house are held in transparent manners the ruling alliance’s candidate ,Hafeez Shaikh … can comfortably win the general seat of Islamabad.
PDM has only two options to get elected Yousaf Raza Gillani. First, it can use personal links and relationship. For example, Yousaf Raza Gillani has close relationship with peer of Pegara sahib. He can use his relationship and muster support of Peer sahib to get 10 votes of his party.
Second, PDM can opt for buying and selling of votes to ensure entry of Syed Yousaf Raza Gillani in the upper house of the parliament. This option is risky as Election Commission is alert this time and it can question any unusual victory of any party in the senate elections.