The biggest drawback of a coalition government in parliamentary politics is continuously placating allied parties and lawmakers to keep you in power. The PTI swept to power in the 2018 general elections but still had to form a fragile coalition after failing to win an absolute majority.
These coalition partners are showered with favours from being handed over ministries, funds and policy influence. These parties eventually part ways in the final stages after securing personal gains before the next elections. Prime Minister Imran Khan had to deal with such coalition partners ever since coming to power who now threaten to abandon him as he faces his greatest challenge.
The PML-Q, which had an unbridled run in power during Musharraf’s era, was a conspicuous part of the PTI-led coalition government. The party has just ten seats in the Punjab Assembly but still managed to bag the coveted post of Speaker. This wasn’t enough as Pervaiz Elahi yearned to return to rule Punjab. The apt opportunity came when the prime minister faces the prospect of losing power and was compelled to hand over the powerful post to a minority party.
Another coalition party MQM-P, which saw its influence dwindle in Karachi where it once yielded absolute control, has also been a part of the PTI-led government. The party has failed to secure any favours for the rights of Karachi but has managed to stay in power for personal gains. With the sword dangling over the prime minister, it has been eyeing a better deal from the government and the opposition.
Other parties have also being emboldened by the opposition and have threatened to jump ship. This includes the BAP, which was formed just before the 2018 election, and other Baloch leaders such as Akhtar Mengal and Shahzain Bugti who sides with the ruling party but eventually part ways stating the rights of Balochistan are not being given.
The presence of coalition parties should be seen as a nuisance in parliamentary politics. The parties are a hurdle in legislation and constitutional changes. The ruling party should find a way how to deal with such parties in the long-term. Political parties should be bound by democratic principles rather than personal interests. The people have a greater role in the next elections.
