The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) is celebrating as their candidate, Murtaza Wahab, clinches the victory in the mayoral elections of Karachi. He secured a win over Hafiz Naeem Ur Rehman, the candidate from Jamat-e-Islami (JI).
Today, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) conducted the election for the Karachi mayor and deputy mayor positions at the Arts Council of Pakistan. The contest was primarily between Wahab and Rehman, as all other candidates had withdrawn their nominations. The deputy mayor candidates from PPP and JI were Salman Abdullah Murad and Saifuddin.
Election Details and Party Positioning
According to official records, 303 elected members were present at the polling station, with three members being transported in an armored personnel carrier. However, ECP sources state that the total attendance at the city council was 333, while 33 members were absent.
Despite holding the largest representation in the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation City Council with 155 seats, the PPP falls short of the simple majority required for their candidate to secure the mayoral position. They support the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam, yet this combined force is also shy of a simple majority.
JI and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) are the city council’s second and third-largest parties, holding 130 and 63 seats, respectively. Their combined strength surpasses the simple majority in the 367-member House due to PTI’s backing of JI.
Controversy Surrounding Election Outcome
Despite this, forming a forward bloc within the PTI introduces an element of uncertainty, and the result could swing either way. If Wahab emerges as the winner, accusations of horse trading will likely be leveled by JI and PTI. These parties may resort to legal action to nullify the election.
Sindh Information Minister Sharjeel Memon criticized JI for supporting PTI, accusing them of aligning with those involved in the May 9 riots. Conversely, Rehman raised concerns about the whereabouts of more than 30 elected members, insinuating potential foul play.
PTI Rejects Mayoral Election Outcome
The PTI dismissed the mayoral elections as “rigged,” accusing the PPP of favoring electoral manipulation over fair competition. The party alleged that the PPP tried to obstruct the voting process by detaining elected members and warned that Wahab could face a similar fate to Hamza Shahbaz in the Punjab chief minister elections.
