2013 Pakistani general election

2013 Pakistani general election
Saad Ali Khan Pakistan · CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
Election name	2013 Pakistani general election
Country	Pakistan
Type	parliamentary
Election date	11 May 2013
Previous election	2008 Pakistani general election
Next election	2018 Pakistani general election
Seats for election	National Assembly of Pakistan
Turnout	55%

2013 Pakistani general election was held on 11 May 2013 to elect members of the National Assembly of Pakistan and provincial assemblies in Punjab, Pakistan, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Balochistan. The contest featured leading parties such as the Pakistan Muslim League (N) and the Pakistan Peoples Party, with prominent figures including Nawaz Sharif, Asif Ali Zardari, and Imran Khan shaping national debate. The election marked Pakistan's first democratic transition between civilian administrations following the 2008 polls and was preceded by significant developments involving the Supreme Court of Pakistan, Pakistan Army, and provincial authorities.

Background

In the run-up to the election, Pakistan experienced political shifts tied to the tenure of the Pakistan Peoples Party government led by Yousaf Raza Gillani and later Raja Pervaiz Ashraf, as well as the presidency of Asif Ali Zardari. The 2008 parliamentary outcome in the aftermath of the assassination of Benazir Bhutto set context for the 2013 contest, which unfolded amid security operations such as Operation Zarb-e-Azb and judicial activism by the Supreme Court of Pakistan under Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry. Economic debates referenced institutions like the State Bank of Pakistan and agreements with the International Monetary Fund, while civil society groups including the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf movement and the Muttahida Qaumi Movement mobilized electorates across constituencies.

Electoral System and Parties

Elections were conducted under rules administered by the Election Commission of Pakistan for general seats, reserved seats for women and non-Muslims, and for the provincial assemblies of Punjab, Pakistan, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Balochistan. Major parties included the Pakistan Muslim League (N), the Pakistan Peoples Party, and the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf; regional forces such as the Awami National Party, Muttahida Qaumi Movement, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F), and the Balochistan National Party also contested. Political alliances featured formations like the Muslim League (Q) alignments and independent candidates often endorsed by local influential families and tribal leaders in areas influenced by the Federally Administered Tribal Areas and the Gilgit-Baltistan dynamics.

Campaign and Key Issues

Campaigns revolved around personalities including Nawaz Sharif and Imran Khan, manifestos from the Pakistan Muslim League (N), the Pakistan Peoples Party, and policy platforms addressing energy shortages tied to state-owned enterprises such as Pakistan International Airlines and the Water and Power Development Authority, security challenges linked to Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan, and governance concerns raised before the Supreme Court of Pakistan. Media outlets such as Dawn (newspaper), The News International, and Geo News covered rallies, while civil movements like Save Pakistan and student wings participated in street politics. International items including relations with the United States and the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor narrative also featured in party debates.

Results

The election produced a plurality victory for the Pakistan Muslim League (N), led by Nawaz Sharif, with significant seat gains in Punjab, Pakistan and impacts on provincial assemblies including Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The Pakistan Peoples Party retained influence in Sindh, while the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf secured notable breakthroughs in urban constituencies and in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa under Imran Khan leadership. Seat allocations for reserved seats were calculated according to party performance as overseen by the Election Commission of Pakistan, and the distribution shaped coalition negotiations involving parties like the Muttahida Qaumi Movement and the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F).

Aftermath and Government Formation

Following the vote count, coalition building saw Nawaz Sharif invited to form a federal administration, drawing on support from allied parties and coalition partners including elements of the Pakistan Muslim League (Q) and independents. The transition involved parliamentary procedures in the National Assembly of Pakistan, a ceremonial role for the President of Pakistan in appointing a prime minister, and scrutiny from judicial actors such as the Supreme Court of Pakistan. Provincial governments were formed in Punjab, Pakistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sindh, and Balochistan with varying coalitions; cabinet appointments included individuals with previous service in bodies like the Federal Board of Revenue and ministries overseeing finance and interior portfolios.

International Observers and Reactions

International observer missions from organizations including the European Union Election Observation Mission, delegations associated with the Commonwealth of Nations, and envoys from the United States and the United Kingdom monitored polling and offered assessments. Statements referenced work by civil society groups such as the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan and the Free and Fair Election Network, while reactions from neighboring states including India and Afghanistan commented on regional stability. International financial institutions and partners like the International Monetary Fund and World Bank noted implications for economic policy and development cooperation following the establishment of a new administration.

Category:Elections in Pakistan Category:2013 elections