PML-N & Q-League Expected to Forge Seat Adjustment Agreement for February 8 Elections

Negotiations are currently underway between the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Pakistan Muslim League-Q (PML-Q) regarding a seat adjustment deal for the upcoming general elections scheduled for February 8, 2024. The PML-Q is seeking seat adjustments on multiple constituencies, including those where they secured victories in the 2018 elections, consisting of four National Assembly seats and eight provincial assembly seats.

Key PML-Q leaders, such as Salik Hussain, Monis Elahi, Hussain Elahi, and Tariq Bashir Cheema, were successful in the 2018 elections and are expected to be part of the seat adjustment deal. In Gujrat, seat adjustment discussions are likely for Salik Hussain and Shafay Hussain, while no arrangement is expected for Hussain Elahi and Musa Elahi. In Bahawalpur, Tariq Bashir Cheema faces competition from PML-N’s Saud Majeed.

Additionally, PML-N is engaged in talks with the Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP) for seat adjustments. PML-N leader Khurram Dastgir Khan mentioned on December 26, 2023, that while seat adjustment with IPP was possible, the “big agenda” was yet to be discussed. Talks between the two parties faced challenges as the IPP reportedly demanded adjustments on 50 provincial assembly seats and 26 National Assembly seats. PML-N emphasized that decisive negotiations would occur after a final decision on tickets.

As negotiations continue, further developments are anticipated in the ongoing discussions between these political parties.