Political dynamics: Upper Swat, a battleground for PML-N, ANP
We vote according to the suggestion of our community elders, say locals.
Even though the former [ANP] MPA did nothing for us, we will vote for him again because we cannot rebel against our community’s norms, says a resident of Lakhar. PHOTO: FILE
SWAT:
In Upper Swat, a tough electoral contest is expected between the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Awami National Party (ANP).
Many residents claim they will vote for the PML-N. However, many people still support the ANP even though they believe the former government completely failed to address local issues. In a different vein, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) chances do not stand diminished either as it has the support of the region’s youth.
Lakhar is a sub-valley in Khwazakhela tehsil where no development project was initiated by the previous government. The area is deprived of drinking water, sanitation, pavements and schools.
However, the major issue is the lack of a road link to the area. A seven-kilometre dirt track constructed by the locals themselves is all there is. “Only a four-wheeler can travel on the track,” said Saifur Rehman, a resident of Lakhar. “Last time, the elected representative had promised the construction of a wide road when he came to ask for votes. We never saw him after he was elected.”
Instead of voting against the former MPA, residents will vote for the ANP candidate in accordance with the wishes of their elders just as they did in 2008. “We vote how our community elders suggest. Even though the former MPA did nothing for us, we will vote for him again because we cannot rebel against our community’s norms,” Rehman added.
Despite this, many of the residents supporting the PTI and PML-N are not happy with the ex-MPA from the ANP. “We never saw him in our area because he stays in London,” claimed Zor Talab, another resident. Whenever we went to his residence we were told he was in the UK. This time we will support a person who is accessible after winning the elections.”
The situation regarding infrastructure in Upper Swat, particularly, Bahrain, Mankyal, Kalam, Utror , Gabral and Ushu is just as bad as no tangible structure or development project can be seen to have been undertaken by the previous government.
“No mega project was carried out by the previous government. Dozens of our bridges, which were washed away by floods, are yet to be reconstructed,” said Iqbal Ali, a resident of Kalam. “This ex-MPA even inaugurated the construction of some ground breaking bridges, but they were never completed.” Ali claimed there had been no electricity for three years, adding he would vote for the PML-N on May 11.
“They come to us in a very humble way and ask for votes in a friendly manner but disappear after being elected,” alleged Mohammad Zarin Gujar, a resident of Badai Serai in Balakot union council. Gujar went on to say residents in his area were considering voting for the PTI this time.
In Upper Swat, politics depends on the collective community as opposed to individual choice. Akbar Zeb, a resident of Shaho in Kalam, claimed the entire village would vote for the ANP candidate as this had been already decided. Upper Swat consists of two provincial and one national constituency. In 2008, both provincial constituencies were won by the ANP and the national seat was won by the Pakistan Peoples Party.
Published in The Express Tribune, May 4th, 2013.
In Upper Swat, a tough electoral contest is expected between the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Awami National Party (ANP).
Many residents claim they will vote for the PML-N. However, many people still support the ANP even though they believe the former government completely failed to address local issues. In a different vein, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) chances do not stand diminished either as it has the support of the region’s youth.
Lakhar is a sub-valley in Khwazakhela tehsil where no development project was initiated by the previous government. The area is deprived of drinking water, sanitation, pavements and schools.
However, the major issue is the lack of a road link to the area. A seven-kilometre dirt track constructed by the locals themselves is all there is. “Only a four-wheeler can travel on the track,” said Saifur Rehman, a resident of Lakhar. “Last time, the elected representative had promised the construction of a wide road when he came to ask for votes. We never saw him after he was elected.”
Instead of voting against the former MPA, residents will vote for the ANP candidate in accordance with the wishes of their elders just as they did in 2008. “We vote how our community elders suggest. Even though the former MPA did nothing for us, we will vote for him again because we cannot rebel against our community’s norms,” Rehman added.
Despite this, many of the residents supporting the PTI and PML-N are not happy with the ex-MPA from the ANP. “We never saw him in our area because he stays in London,” claimed Zor Talab, another resident. Whenever we went to his residence we were told he was in the UK. This time we will support a person who is accessible after winning the elections.”
The situation regarding infrastructure in Upper Swat, particularly, Bahrain, Mankyal, Kalam, Utror , Gabral and Ushu is just as bad as no tangible structure or development project can be seen to have been undertaken by the previous government.
“No mega project was carried out by the previous government. Dozens of our bridges, which were washed away by floods, are yet to be reconstructed,” said Iqbal Ali, a resident of Kalam. “This ex-MPA even inaugurated the construction of some ground breaking bridges, but they were never completed.” Ali claimed there had been no electricity for three years, adding he would vote for the PML-N on May 11.
“They come to us in a very humble way and ask for votes in a friendly manner but disappear after being elected,” alleged Mohammad Zarin Gujar, a resident of Badai Serai in Balakot union council. Gujar went on to say residents in his area were considering voting for the PTI this time.
In Upper Swat, politics depends on the collective community as opposed to individual choice. Akbar Zeb, a resident of Shaho in Kalam, claimed the entire village would vote for the ANP candidate as this had been already decided. Upper Swat consists of two provincial and one national constituency. In 2008, both provincial constituencies were won by the ANP and the national seat was won by the Pakistan Peoples Party.
In a regional survey conducted by the The Express Tribune, 210 persons from all walks of life were asked who they would support in the polls. In the results, 50 people claimed they would vote for the PML-N, 43 for the ANP, 37 for the PTI, 20 for the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl, 19 for the Jamaat-e-Islami, 16 for the Pakistan Peoples Party, 15 for the Qaumi Watan Party and 10 for independent candidates.
Published in The Express Tribune, May 4th, 2013.