Pakistan: Islamists make gains

Submitted by on 13 November, 2002 - 12:59

In Pakistan's elections of 10 October - the first since General Pervez Musharraf grabbed power in a coup in 1999 - gains were made by the coalition of Pakistani Islamist groups, the Muttahida Majlis-I-Amal (MMA). The Islamists got around third of the seats in the National Assembly, won a definitive majority in Sarhad (Northwest Frontier Province) and a majority of seats in the southwestern province of Baluchistan.
The Pakistan Muslim League (Q), an 18-month old party backed by Musharraf and the army, gathered the most votes, but not enough to form its own government. Musharraf's supporters will have to form a coalition with one of the four main parties that also won seats at the national level: the Pakistan People's Party (PPP), the Islamist coalition, the Pakistan Muslim League (N) and/or independents.

The MMA have pledged to "implement an Islamic system" in Pakistan and have demanded US soldiers pursuing Taliban and al-Qaeda militants in the northwest province leave the country.

The socialist Labour Party Pakistan drew more than 15,000 people to its 37 election campaign meetings.

This website uses cookies, you can find out more and set your preferences here.
By continuing to use this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions.