A Strategic Turn in Pakistani Politics: PML-N and PPP Unite for By Elections

 

PML-N leader Hanif Abbasi (centre) addresses a press conference flanked by PML-N’s Tariq Fazal Chaudhry (left) and PPP’s Raja Pervaiz Ashraf in Islamabad on August 23. — Geo News

A Strategic Turn in Pakistani Politics: PML-N and PPP Unite for By Elections

In a major development, the ruling allies — Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) — have announced they will jointly contest the upcoming by-elections nationwide.

In a move sparking both surprise and intrigue, Pakistan’s two dominant political forces—Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP)—have agreed to jointly contest the upcoming by-polls. Addressing the media in Islamabad, federal Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi, flanked by PPP stalwart Raja Pervaiz Ashraf, described the pact as a mature, strategic response to the evolving political climate. “We are allies, and our leadership has shown maturity,” Abbasi emphasized. He announced that both parties have agreed to field candidates based on a seat-adjustment formula—consultatively assigning each seat to the party that secured the runner-up position in the previous general elections. 

The by-elections have been scheduled for two waves: three key constituencies—NA-66 Wazirabad, NA-129 Lahore-XIII, and PP-87 Mianwali-III—will vote on September 18, while a second batch including NA-143 Sahiwal-III, NA-185 DG Khan-II, PP-203 Sahiwal-VI, NA-96 Faisalabad-II, NA-104 Faisalabad-X, and PP-98 Faisalabad-I go to polls on October 5. These seats became vacant after PTI lawmakers were disqualified, largely in connection to their alleged involvement in the May 9 riots. 

Politics of Collaboration: Why This Alliance Makes Sense

The alliance reflects a deeper effort toward political consolidation. After years of fierce competition and often adversarial stances, PPP and PML-N are aligning to avoid splitting the vote in districts where PTI’s influence might otherwise edge them out. In such scenarios, vote fragmentation can create openings for smaller or independent candidates, or even PTI-linked contestants. By coordinating, they aim to protect their collective strength through seat adjustment in by-polls, a strategy they have employed before. 

The seat-adjustment mechanism is straightforward: if PPP was the runner-up, they will field the candidate; if PML-N was second, then PPP steps aside in support. This helps streamline resources and messaging while emphasizing unity. Raja Pervaiz Ashraf specifically credited Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for his role in silver-lining the agreement. 

A Flashback to the May 9 Riots and Political Unrest

To truly understand the urgency of this coalition, one must look back. On May 9, 2023, strong protests broke out nationwide in response to Imran Khan’s arrest. Police, military installations, and even corps commander houses were targeted, leading to widespread chaos and loss of life. In the aftermath, anti-terrorism courts disqualified several PTI leaders, vacating their seats. With these by-polls now imminent, PPP and PML-N see collaboration as a way to safeguard parliamentary balance and avoid unnecessary political warfare.

The Broader Context: Stability, Democracy, and Coalitions

Crucially, this joint strategy extends beyond the by-polls. It speaks to a broader push for coalition-building and political stability. With PML-N and PPP already working together in federal and provincial assemblies, their expanding alliance might shape future policy consensus, governance, and even a path toward full coalition governance in the future. 

Notably, PPP’s Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, although not quoted in this announcement, has previously endorsed coalition building, favoring institutional cooperation over conflict—another signal that this move is part of a wider recalibration. 

What Can Voters Expect?

For voters in the by-election constituencies, the coordinated stand should simplify choices and reduce campaign confusion. Rather than being pulled between PML-N or PPP contenders, voters can expect clearer messaging, consolidated campaigning, and aligned platforms. The seat-adjustment has the potential to reduce electoral noise and shift focus to performance, promises, and governance concerns.