Explained: Pakistan’s National Election Process

Of Pakistan’s 241 million people, 128 million have the right to vote. (document)

Pakistan will vote in a closely watched national election on Thursday to form a new government to lead the crisis-plagued South Asian country for the next five years.

Here are some facts about how Pakistan’s electoral system works:

– Pakistan is a parliamentary democracy, with seats in the federal legislature (called the National Assembly) and four provincial or state legislatures up for vote.

– 128 million Pakistanis out of a population of 241 million are eligible to vote – all above the age of 18. Polling stations are usually open from 9am to 5pm (0400 to 1200 GMT), but hours may be extended in exceptional circumstances.

– On Election Day, voters will vote for two legislators to represent their ridings – one federal and one provincial. A total of 5,121 candidates ran for membership in the federal legislature and 12,695 candidates ran for provincial seats.

– The National Assembly consists of 336 seats, 266 of which are decided by direct vote on polling day, while 70 reserved seats (60 for women, 10 for non-Muslims) are allocated based on the strength of the parties in the House of Representatives.

– The winning candidate becomes a member of the National Assembly. Independent candidates can choose to join any political party after the election.

– After the National Assembly is formed, a parliamentary vote is held to elect the leader of the House of Representatives, who becomes the Prime Minister.

– The successful candidate must obtain a simple majority in the House of Representatives, i.e. the support of at least 169 members.

– A candidate for prime minister can be sworn in as prime minister once he wins the parliamentary vote. The new prime minister selects cabinet ministers to form the federal government.

– Similar procedures are followed at the provincial level to elect the chief minister and provincial government.

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