LB canvas in Balochistan

It was a clean sweep for Independent candidates in Balochistan. Elections for the local government tiers in 32 districts of the restive province proved beyond doubt that political parties have a dismal role, and the electorate were conscious of the aspirations of their constituencies. Polls for 4,456 urban and rural wards were contested by 23,835 candidates and the turnout was more than 60%. Around 1,584 had already returned unopposed. The victory of more than 1,000 Independent nominees in municipal corporations and union councils exhibits the apolitical nature of the province, and also the grim reality that political muscles are lacking across the board. No major national party could stand the test of tide, and even regional groups were seen marginalised to the core.

Apart from Independent candidates, the JUI-F bagged around 100 seats to be followed by BAP with 71. The PMAP clinched 39, National Party 33, PPP 26, and the BNP-M ended up with 18 seats. One of the noticeable points was that the coastal belt, theatre of CPEC-related developments, went for those who had struggled for its rights, and the fishermen movement led from the front. The Gwadar rights movement swept the coastal district of Makran, to be followed by the National Party of ex-CM Abdul Malik in Turbat. Interestingly, the four-party alliance of BNP-M, NP, JUI-F and PNP ended up in the doldrums. The Gwadar’s Haq Do Tehreek clinched 27 seats out of 30, and also performed well in Ormara and Pasni. Likewise, BAP was routed in its stronghold of Chagai, and even heavyweights who wield the power in the Senate could not make the difference.

It is a good omen that local government culture is well-respected in Balochistan. This goes on to prove that people want a proactive decorum for addressing their problems. Baloch have genuine grievances and the state stakeholders have literally failed in taking care of them, and this is where the dissent mushrooms. It is a pity that basic civic amenities are still a luxury in Balochistan, and the people are security-starved too. What is needed instantly is political cohesion and a choreographed sense of development. The local bodies can further that envelope earnestly.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 30^th, 2022.

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