Syed Ali Shah:
In the recently concluded Balochistan elections, the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has emerged as a strong contender, clinching victory in 9 provincial assembly seats based on preliminary results. With the Balochistan Assembly comprising 65 members, this victory underscores the growing significance of PPP in the region’s political landscape.
However, the Balochistan Awami Party (BAP), the former ruling party, faced a significant setback, managing to retain only two traditional seats belonging to the Bhootani and Magsi brothers. Moreover, Chairman Senate Sadiq Sanjrani appears to have solidified his position on PB-32 Chaghi Dalbandin.
Key Politicians Retained Seats in the Elections
The aftermath of the elections saw social media platforms flooded with conflicting reports about the outcomes, as supporters from various political factions claimed victory.
Despite the overall political landscape, several heavyweight politicians succeeded in retaining their seats in the general elections held on February 8, 2024. Notable figures include former chief ministers Nawab Muhammad Aslam Raisani of Jamiat ul Ulema e Islam (JUI), Jam Kamal Khan of Pakistan Muslim League (N), and Dr. Abdul Malik Baloch, Chief of the National Party (NP). Additionally, figures like BAP’s Sardar Saleh Bhootani, former caretaker interior minister Sarfaraz Ahmed Bugti, and PPP’s Mir Sadiq Umrani secured their provincial assembly seats.
National Assembly Victors and Post-Election Protests: A Recap
On the national assembly front, Maulana Fazal ur Rehman of JUI F secured victory on NA 265 Pishin, while Mehmood Khan Achakzai of Pakhtunkhwa Milli Awami Party ({PKMAP) emerged victorious on NA 266 Chaman-Killa Abdullah.
Amidst the post-election scenario, the Pashtoonkhwa National Awami Party (PNAP) staged a protest outside the Quetta Press Club, demanding an immediate announcement of results for NA 251 Zhob-Killa Saifullah.
The Baloch nationalist party, National Party (NP), witnessed a slight resurgence, while the Balochistan National Party (BNP) faced setbacks in Quetta and other regions. Sardar Akhtar Mengal accused the Election Commission of Pakistan and the government of showing favoritism towards certain candidates.
Furthermore, the notable performance of JUI F in Baloch-dominated areas signals a potential shift from its traditional stronghold in the Pashtoon belt, adding a new dimension to the region’s political dynamics.
