On February 18, the elections to the National and four Provincial Assemblies were held relatively free and fair in Pakistan. The PPP secured maximum number of elected seats followed by the PML-N with 66 seats. With PPP and PML-N likely to form a coalition Government, it is important to know that who voted for whom and for what reasons and what do they imply.

The importance of PPP securing maximum number of seats is significant, but what is more impor-tant is the manner in which it has secured those seats. These 88 seats for the National Assembly are secured from all the four provinces, and not from one or two major provinces such as Sindh or Punjab. While Sindh has been a traditional stronghold for the PPP, for the Bhutto’s are from this province, over the last two decades, the PPP has been steadily declining in other provinces. The PPP is likely to form the Government in Sindh besides supporting a coalition in Punjab and the NWFP.

Before the elections, unlike Benazir Bhutto, the Sharif brothers had no contacts with Pervez. Musharraf and there was no deal for their return. When Nawaz Sharif returned last year, he was immediately deported. When Benazir returned to Pakistan last October, every one believed there was an understanding between her and Musharraf. Also, at the international level, there was more backing for Benazir than Nawaz. Finally, the assassination of Benazir, created a sympathy wave for the PPP, whereas for the PML-N, there was only the strength of the Sharif’s and the anti-Musharraf sentiments in Punjab. Given the above circumstances, the performance of the PML-N in Punjab is commendable.

Though PML-N has failed to get substantial seats for the National Assembly from other three provinces, those 60 plus seats it has secured from Punjab along with PPP has made sure that the PML-Q could neither form a Government at national level, nor in the province of Punjab. With the PML-N securing 102seatsfoi the Punjab Assembly, it is likely to form the Government with PPPs support, which has secured 77. With a mere 66 seats, the PML-Q has to sit quietly in the opposition benches in Punjab.

The 2008 elections should be a total shock to the religious parties. They could secure only 5 seats for the National Assembly. More than the fall at the national level, the dramatic decline in the NWFP should be a total shock. The MMA after the 2002 elections had formed the Government and ruled the NWFP for the last five years. Unfortunately for the MMA, the 2008 elections have thrown them out of electoral reckoning.

While the assassination of Benazir Bhutto could have played an important role in the electoral performance of the PPP in Sindh, the overall performance mainstream political parties at the national level are a clear indication that the common population in all the four provinces has rejected Pervez Musharraf s policies and those parties and individuals whom he supported. The victors should realize this important aspect of the elections. There have been efforts from those close to Musharraf, to form a coalition led by the PPP, supported by the PML-Q, MQM and independents.