‘Alternative PM’ contesting elections for umpteenth time

Shahzada secured seven votes in 2018 NA-125 by-elections


Qadeer Tanoli June 26, 2018

ISLAMABAD: Despite being emphatically rejected a staggering 42 times, self-proclaimed “alternative prime minister” Ambar Shahzada is gearing up to contest elections from Lahore’s NA-125.

The ‘indefatigable’ Aap Janab Sarkar Party chief has being wooing the electorate since 1988 in vain. He first contested elections in 1988. Despite boasting a ‘novel’ manifesto, prospects of his ‘flagging’ political fortunes experiencing a turnaround are bleak, to put it mildly. Shahzada harbours no delusions. He knows he will lose. “The people vote for the moneyed,” the aspiring lawmaker said.

Shahzada told The Express Tribune he aspired to legitimise “petty corruption”. This in turn, he said, would remedy rampant financial malpractice across all levels.

PHOTO: EXPRESS PHOTO: EXPRESS

Explaining why he elected the spoon as his party’s electoral symbol, Shahzada said the utensil was ubiquitous. He said it was to be found pretty much everywhere.

“A spoon is a spoon. It does not discriminate (among users). The meal can be hot or cold. A spoon will always come in handy. I am akin to the utensil. I deserve to be elected prime minister,” Shahzada told The Express Tribune. Last contesting elections using the symbol of an apple, he said he had faced a crushing defeat despite the fruit being rich in nutrients.

Those calling for elections delay should be tried for treason, says PM

The Aap Janab Sarkar Party chief looks forward to a time when one would not have to explain what they did for a living. “No enquiry should be entertained on this account. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you,” he said.

Shahzada, who polled seven votes in the 2018 NA-120 by-elections, said he participated in the exercise to “raise awareness”. He secured 100 the first time he debuted.

The “alternative PM” has been canvassing for votes in NA-125 on a donkey. He said his candidature was a “protest” against a system rigged. The tongue-in-cheek approach, Shahzada said, was a deliberate at grabbing people’s attention.

PHOTO: EXPRESS PHOTO: EXPRESS

Taking a jibe at his more-successful contemporaries, he said: “Why do lawmakers claim credit for executing projects like roads and bridges? They really have not done anything. This is taxpayers’ money.”

Other aspiring lawmakers who failed to secure party tickets are welcome to join Aap Janab Sarkar Party. The party chief, however, thinks general elections will not be held as planned. He expressed hope of across-the-board accountability being undertaken for at least a year. Elections should be conducted after, Shahzada said.



 

 

COMMENTS (3)

real | 5 years ago | Reply love him...so pragmatic..
BrainBro | 5 years ago | Reply He's the most realistic candidate standing. He should win just for his honesty.
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