Islamabad- Pakistan's general election has ended in a stalemate, with no party securing a clear majority in the National Assembly. The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has ordered re-polling in 52 polling stations on February 15, following complaints of rigging and violence.
The two main contenders, Nawaz Sharif's Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), are both short of the 172 seats needed to form a government. Sharif has claimed victory and appealed to his rivals to join him in a coalition, saying that the country needs a "unified government of all democratic forces".
However, Khan has rejected Sharif's offer and accused him of electoral fraud. He has called for nationwide protests and demanded a fresh election. He has also ruled out any alliance with Sharif or Bilawal Bhutto's Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), which has emerged as the third-largest party.
Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir has intervened in the political crisis and backed Sharif's call for a coalition. He has urged the political parties to respect the mandate of the people and work together for the stability and development of the country. He has also assured the ECP of the army's support in conducting a free and fair re-polling.
