Lahore (August 19, 2018): Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf’s Usman Buzdar on Sunday elected as CM Punjab after securing 186 votes, while his opponent PML-N’s Hamza Shehbaz 159 votes.
The session is chaired by Speaker Pervaiz Elahi began with the recitation of Holy Quran. The speaker directed members to stay in the lobby for further procedure.
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Before the Punjab Assembly session commenced, members of the opposition chanted slogans and protested by wearing black armbands. The commotion led to a delay in the proceedings of today’s session.
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The session of Punjab Assembly to elect new Chief Minister for next five years commenced after a delay of 1.15 hour as it was scheduled to start at 11 pm.
PTI’s Usman Buzdar and PML-N’s Hamza Shahbaz were contesting for the post of Punjab CM slot.
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In the House of 358, an aspirant requires 178 votes to become chief minister and House’s leader. PTI enjoys the support of 186 MPAs, whereas PML-N enjoys the support of 162.
Three independent lawmakers and one MPA of Rah-e-Haq party will also cast their vote.
Usman Buzdar garnered 26,897 votes from PP-286 Taunsa Sharif and defeated independent candidate Khawaja Muhammad Nizamul Mehmood.
Hamza Shehbaz—son of PML-N’s president Shehbaz Sharif—had secured PA’s seat from constituency PP-146.
Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) decided to stay away from the election of Punjab Chief Minister (CM).
PPP will neither vote for Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) candidate nor for Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) candidate.
Earlier today, Speaker Punjab Assembly Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi said that election of Punjab Chief Minister will be held on the basis of division of the House, rather than secret balloting.
Talking to newsmen ahead of the session, Elahi said the election will be transparent.
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He also urged opposition to cooperate for taking the democratic process ahead instead of putting hurdles in its way.
He said opposition will not get anything from protest inside the House during today’s election.
Earlier today, PML-N’s nominee for Chief Minister Punjab, Hamza Shehbaz slammed PTI for coming to power through unfair means, calling it an “unfair match”.
Talking to the newsmen outside Punjab Assembly, Hamza said, we are only taking oaths because we want the process of democracy to continue.
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He demanded a parliamentary commission to probe the electoral process, and said his party will play its constitutional role.
“We will not [resort] to climbing on containers and hurling abuses.”
Newly elected Punjab Assembly will meet in a while to elect Leader of the House.
The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) nominee for chief minister Punjab slot Usman Buzdar and his rival PML-N’s candidate Hamza Shehbaz submitted nomination papers on Saturday for the post of chief minister Punjab.
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