Pakistan is electing a new parliament. Here are the key players ahead of the vote
Associated PressJAN 2024
Pakistan: Coalition Government Selects Shehbaz Sharif as PM
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The Spin
Narrative A
Although the PML-N will take control of the incoming government, its power will be less than it hoped. PPP has opted to not fill any cabinet posts and will instead remain an opposition party capable of ousting Sharif should he continue his brother's dreadful economic policies. The PML-N's relatively insignificant majority shows that the people are leaning toward a new leading party — possibly the PPP — that may usher in a new era of stability in the long term.
Narrative B
Despite voter turnout overwhelming this rigged election, enough roadblocks were put in place to keep the PTI candidates from forming a government. First, the PTI was legally banned from existence. Then, several districts saw mysterious loads of ballots emerge overnight to ensure the Khan-backed independents didn't win more seats than their already historic amount. While the West makes nominal statements about ensuring the election was fair, Pakistan seems to be headed down a path of civil conflict.