Islamabad: Brightening pro-Musharraf PML-Q's (Pakistan Muslim League) chance of forming a government in Pakistan, its candidate Chaudhary Amir Hussain was on November 19 elected as Speaker of the new Parliament amidst allegations of rigging and coercion.

Pro-tem speaker of the National Assembly, Ilahi Bux Sumroo, announced Hussain's election as Speaker after five hours of wrangling between pro and anti-Musharraf parties over the procedures followed in the election held through secret ballot.

Hussain, a former minister who is considered loyal to President Pervez Musharraf, received 167 out of 327 votes, followed by Islamic Parties' alliance MMA (Muttahida Majlis Ammal) candidate Liaqat Baluch who got 80 votes while former premier Benazir Bhutto's PPP (Pakistan People's Party) party's nominee Atizaz Asan secured 71 votes in the 342-member House.

Four votes were declared invalid while five members abstained. Six members who won from two constituencies have vacated one of their seats.

Dispute arose over the authenticity of some ballot papers cast during the election and members from PPP and MMA demanded re-election and formation of a House committee to investigate their allegations.

The PPP and MMA alleged that unauthorised ballot papers marked in the lobby have been cast and they found empty ballot papers during the counting.

Disregarding the objection, Sumroo said he has followed fair and transparent procedures, and declared that the election was valid.

Amid protest, he sworn in Hussain as the new Speaker and handed over the charge.

PTI