Stage set for NA-57 electoral showdown
As voters brace for the upcoming general elections on February 8, the electoral landscape of the NA-57, spanning Rawalpindi’s urban, cantonment, and rural areas, promises an intriguing battle among candidates from various political affiliations.
The contest features candidates from Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), an independent female candidate supported by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Awami Muslim League (AML), Jamat-e-Islami (JI), and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), setting the stage for a closely watched electoral showdown.
Remarkably, this election marks a historic departure from conventional political fervour.
Notably absent are the flags of political parties adorning the rooftops, motorcycles, or vehicles across Rawalpindi city and cantonment. Equally striking is the absence of dedicated electoral offices, despite enticing offers. Previously, the election rallies at Liaquat Bagh have faltered in pulling huge crowds.
The public's non-participation in corner meetings has prompted candidates to try wedding-party-style gatherings with delectable food for participants.
With a total of 29 candidates in the fray, key contenders include Barrister Daniyal of PML-N, Mukhtar Abbas of PPP, independent woman candidate Seemabia Tahir Satti with PTI's backing, Sheikh Rashid Shafiq of AML, Mirza Khalid Mehmood of JI, Abdul Majid Hussain of JUI, Syed Rashid Hussain Shah of Pakistan Falah Party, and Chaudhry Rizwan Younis of TLP.
NA-57 boasts a voter count of 0.43, with 222,434 male voters and 209,077 female voters. The constituency encompasses 326 polling stations—156 for men, 155 for women, and 15 combined stations—supported by 780 polling booths, 398 for men and 382 for women. A team of 326 presiding officers, 1,560 assistant presiding officers, and 780 polling officers will oversee the electoral process.
Geographically, NA-57 includes sections of Chak Lala Cantonment, Tumhasimabad, Rahmabad, Scheme 3, Railway Colonies, City areas, Muslim Town, Khurram Colony, Chah Sultan, Duhok Khaba, Duhok Farman Ali, Chamanzar Colony, City, Shakrial one, two, and three, Khanna Dak one and two, and surrounding settlements.
While no indigenous community resides here, the constituency is home to a diverse population, including Rajas, Abbasis, Sattis, Chaudharys, Maliks, Sheikhs, and Kashmiris. Former PML-N adviser Chaudhry Sarfraz Afzal and Sheikh Arsalan Hafeez have expressed discontent over ticket distribution.
A unique aspect of this election is the candidates' individualistic approach, with many seeking votes for themselves rather than their party panels. Even candidates for provincial seats are individually campaigning for their positions. The electoral landscape is marked by various incentives, including flour, sugar, monetary gifts, and pots of biryani delivered to households.
However, candidates express astonishment at the overall lack of cooperation from the public, evident in the non-participation in corner meetings and the reluctance to offer services for polling agents. Door-to-door campaigns face challenges, with voters barely opening their doors to accept manifesto brochures without engaging fully with candidates' speeches. This election stands out in history as the first where candidates collectively experience a palpable sense of apprehension.
Previous winners of this seat include Sheikh Rashid Ahmad, Sheikh Rashid Shafiq, Imran Khan, and Hanif Abbasi.
Published in The Express Tribune, February 5th, 2024.