Pakistan’s next government will be surprisingly stable

Significance

Shehbaz Sharif’s Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), which governed prior to the National Assembly’s dissolution in May, has come second and Bilawal Bhutto Zardari’s Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) third. Independent candidates and religious parties have picked up seats. The election result was delayed and several parties alleged vote rigging, which the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has denied.

Impacts

• Former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif may be exiled to Saudi Arabia rather than remaining in jail in Pakistan.
• Militant groups may seek to take advantage of any popular unrest by launching further attacks.
• Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be wary of a Khan government, despite likely congratulating him on his victory.