Pakistani General Election 1988 || Election

Pakistani General Election 1988 || Election

In the historical backdrop of Pakistan, the pivotal general elections of November 16, 1988, marked a turning point in the nation's political landscape. The stage was set for a democratic resurgence as the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), led by the dynamic Benazir Bhutto, saw a remarkable comeback. This electoral event not only shaped the political dichotomy between the left-wing PPP and the right-wing Islami Jamhoori Ittehad (IJI), but it also laid the foundation for a decade-long two-party system in Pakistan.

The demise of President Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq in August 1988 led to the reorganization of his supporters into the nine-party alliance known as the IJI, strategically backed by intelligence agencies. This marked the beginning of a political era dominated by the PPP and the IJI, later succeeded by the Pakistan Muslim League (N).

The PPP emerged victorious, securing 94 out of 207 seats in the National Assembly, while the IJI claimed the second position with 56 seats in a voter turnout of 43%. The PPP, forming a coalition with left-wing parties like the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), saw Benazir Bhutto making history as the first female Prime Minister in a Muslim-majority country.

Taking a step back, the roots of this political transformation can be traced to the parliamentary elections of March 1977 when the PPP gained a two-thirds majority. However, political instability and civil disorder ensued, leading to the military coup code-named Operation Fair Play, ousting Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. The subsequent period of martial law ended in 1985 with non-partisan elections and the appointment of Mohammad Junejo as Prime Minister.

Fast forward to May 29, 1988, when Zia dissolved the National Assembly elected in 1985, citing corruption and inefficiency. The subsequent elections, initially planned on a non-party basis, took a different turn after Zia's accidental death on August 17. The Supreme Court reversed the ban on political parties, setting the stage for a party-based electoral process.

Amidst a month-long and generally peaceful campaign, Benazir Bhutto, leading the democratic socialists and secular parties, pledged to tackle extremism and trade union power. On the other side, conservatives, under the leadership of Sharif, campaigned for industrial expansion and privatization.

Despite allegations of vote rigging against the PPP and challenges to its less affluent supporters, Benazir Bhutto secured victory with an impressive 8% margin, defeating the IJI alliance. The liberal MQM, though not formally participating, had members running as independents and clinched 5.4% of the vote, securing 13 seats in Karachi and Hyderabad.

The aftermath saw acting President Ghulam Ishaq Khan inviting the PPP to form a government. Bhutto's election as the first female Prime Minister of a Muslim country on December 4, 1988, marked a historic moment. The coalition government, formed by the PPP with alliances with smaller parties and independent groups, faced challenges, particularly when the MQM withdrew its support in October 1989, leading to the eventual dissolution of the coalition.

In the intricate tapestry of Pakistani politics, the 1988 elections remain a pivotal chapter, shaping the trajectory of the nation's governance and laying the groundwork for future political dynamics.