Background Story

Total seats: 480

Seats to form government: 241

Seats won: PPP, 233; Democrat Party, 165; other parties, 82

What is next: The People's Power Party said yesterday that three or four small parties have agreed to form a coalition with it. But the total number of seats it has won could change.

The Election Commission has voided the victories of three PPP candidates because of polling irregularities, and could strike off more.

This may give the Democrats a chance to form the government.

The three offending PPP politicians could still stand in the by-elections called for Jan 13.

The commission has to certify the election results and complete the process within 30 days after the polls.

Parliament can be convened only after results have been certified and all seats filled, after which a House Speaker will be chosen and a prime minister elected.

REUTERS, THE NATION/ASIA NEWS NETWORK