Asif Ali Zardari, the candidate backed by the ruling coalition, clinched victory in Pakistan’s presidential election, as announced by the Election Commission of Pakistan on Saturday. Zardari’s triumph was marked by a commanding lead, securing 411 votes from all electoral colleges, including parliament and four provincial assemblies.
The Election Commission disclosed that Zardari garnered widespread support, obtaining 255 votes in the joint session of the two parliamentary houses, comprising the Senate and the National Assembly. Additionally, he received 43 votes from the eastern Punjab province, eight from the northwest Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, 47 from the southwest Balochistan province, and 58 from the southern Sindh province.
In contrast, Zardari’s rival, Mahmood Khan Achakzai, the joint candidate of opposition parties, trailed with a total of 181 votes.
At 68 years old, Zardari is poised to succeed outgoing President Arif Alvi, who was bid farewell with a guard of honor on Friday. This victory marks Zardari’s second term as president, following his previous tenure from 2008 to 2013.
Zardari’s journey to the presidency began with his election as a member of the National Assembly in the general elections held on February 8, 2024. However, before assuming the presidency, he is required to resign from his position in the National Assembly.
As Pakistan anticipates the transition of leadership, Zardari’s victory signals a continuation of the ruling coalition’s governance and sets the stage for the implementation of his vision for the nation’s future.
10th Mar 2024
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