22 more seats needed: PTI looks to smaller parties

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf emerged as the largest party in the National Assembly bagging 114 of the 270 seats to which elections were held, falling short of an absolute majority by 22 seats. However, PTI leader Imran Khan looks set to gain the support of smaller parties and independents to form the next government even as the two main Opposition rivals conceded defeat.

Jailed former prime minister Nawaz Sharif's Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz which won 62 seats and former president Asif Ali Zardari's Pakistan Peoples Party with 43 seats had on Thursday complained of electoral malpractices. The EU Election Observation Mission in its preliminary findings, however, said the electoral process was "not as good" as the 2013 election and campaign week featured a "lack of equality" that meant it was not a level playing field for all parties.

Pakistan's National Assembly comprises 342 members including nominated members. Independent candidates won 12 seats, according to the election commission which issued results for 261seats of the National Assembly on Friday.


In his first speech that was broadcast live via video link yesterday, Khan claimed victory in the elections and said that he was ready to investigate allegations of rigging in the polls. “Anyone who has issues of rigging; we will help you facilitate and we will open up any constituency that you want for investigation,” Khan said, amid allegations by the six major parties, including PML-N and PPP, of foul play in the counting process.