Former prime minister Nawaz Sharif is set to become president of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) again after more than six years. The party named after him will hold an election today.
Nawaz would be elected through a party president election rescheduled from the second week of May to May 28, Youm-e-Takbir. On this day in 1998, Pakistan responded to India’s nuclear tests under Nawaz’s leadership.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has declared May 28, 2024, a public holiday through a notification on Monday.
On July 28, 2017, Nawaz lost both the prime minister’s office and the presidency of his party due to the Panama Papers ruling. Since then, the PML-N has built a narrative around the catchphrase “Mujhy Kyun Nikala” (Why was I removed?).
The Central Working Committee appointed the election commission and issued the timetable, said Sanaullah.
Election Procedures and Party Dynamics
Nomination papers will be accepted from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. today. They will be examined at 1 p.m., and the final list will be ready by 3 p.m. Any party member may submit nomination papers. The PML-N central council meeting will be held at 4 p.m.
Sanaullah noted that each party has its election procedures. For example, nomination papers are not submitted in Jamaat-e-Islami, where the Shura elects the ameer. He emphasized that he was not against Jamaat-e-Islami’s approach.
He highlighted Pakistan’s success in becoming a nuclear power under Nawaz’s leadership and his role in transforming the PML-N into a party for the average person. Nawaz has always been involved in major party decisions and will remain so.
Sanaullah said different members should fill other party positions, noting that Shehbaz remains a significant leader, especially for his efforts to restore the economy. Shahid Khaqan Abbasi could also submit his candidature documents, which would be scrutinized for eligibility.
Sanaullah asserted that the PML-N values dialogue and cooperation between the government and the opposition. He hoped that PTI’s founder avoided a fate similar to Mujeebur Rahman and stressed the need for dialogue.
He reassured that Nawaz Sharif is not angry with anyone and remains fully active. Nawaz’s consultation and approval are involved in fundamental decisions by the federal and Punjab governments. Nawaz’s statements are expected to become more frequent over time.
If no other candidate submits nomination papers, Nawaz will be elected unopposed; otherwise, the election will be decided by a show of hands. Party sources mentioned that besides the election of the party president, the PML-N meeting will also discuss various resolutions to be presented to the general council.
