PML-N bigwigs race for tickets for mayorships

Shahbaz Sharif to decide final list of PML-N mayoral candidates

LAHORE:

After the conclusion of local government elections, several groups within the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) have started lobbying to get their favourites nominated as the party’s candidates for mayors.

A party leader, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that the PML-N was in a position to form governments in almost all districts of the province.



“In 35 districts, the PML-N is the largest single party. In just one district, Rahim Yar Khan, the Pakistan People’s Party is ahead. However, the PML-N can form a government even there with the support of some independents. PML-N local leaders are in favour of forming their government. However, some central leaders are of the view that the party should let the PPP form a government,” he said.

“The issue came under discussion at a meeting on Monday. However, a final decision in this regard will be taken by the PML-N Punjab president Shahbaz Sharif,” a PML-N leader, who was present at the meeting, told The Express Tribune.

The party has also started issuing application forms for mayors’ slots. The forms are being issued from the PML-N House in Muslim Town.



“The application fee is Rs15,000. The last date for submitting forms for districts where elections were held in the third phase is December 15. Candidates from districts where local elections were held in the first phase have already submitted their forms. Candidates from the second-phase districts can submit forms till December 8,” a party worker told The Express Tribune.

“Several strong contenders for mayor in various districts have not obtained the forms yet. One such person met Hamza Shahbaz on Monday. He is also trying to secure Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s blessing. However, a final go ahead will be given by Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif. He will finalise candidates for mayors,” another PML-N leader told The Express Tribune.

“MPAs and MNAs want mayors of their choice in their home districts. However, nobody who is not close to the party’s central leadership is likely to be elected as mayor. The supporters of local MNAs, MPAs will likely be appointed to district councils,” he said.



Punjab Assembly Parliamentary Secretary Rana Arshad said that the chief minister would head the committee that would interview candidates for mayor.

“Law Minister Rana Sanaullah, Raja Ashfaq Sarwar and Saud Majeed are also members of the committee. They will interview the candidates. The tickets will be awarded by the party after the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) announces the schedule for the election of mayors,” he said.

He said that seniority, past performance and relationship with the central leadership would be considered in awarding tickets for mayors.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 8^th, 2015.