The ratification of the 26th Constitutional Amendment is encountering significant challenges as a two-thirds majority, amounting to 224 votes, is required for approval in the National Assembly. Currently, the government coalition holds 215 seats, leaving them short of the necessary votes.
The Speaker of the National Assembly is not eligible to cast a vote, meaning the coalition needs to secure at least four additional votes. Although the addition of eight members from Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI) to the opposition alliance complicates the situation further, it highlights the current political dynamics.
The government coalition consists of 111 members from the Pakistan Muslim League (N), 70 members from the Pakistan People's Party (PPP), 22 members from MQM Pakistan, and five from the Muslim League (Q), along with contributions from the Stability Pakistan Party and other smaller factions.
On the opposition side, eight members from JUI, alongside various independent members and other parties, collectively contribute to a total of 91 opposition votes. With such a tight balance of power, the upcoming discussions surrounding the constitutional amendment promise to be contentious as both sides strategize to achieve their goals.
