Split wide open: Senate race heats up in FATA

Candidates reportedly offering as much as Rs300m to MNAs.

SHABQADAR: Much like the rest of the country, horse trading remains a major concern for Fata candidates ahead of the Senate polls on March 5. There is a major split between two groups in the tribal areas—one which is backed by political parties and the other comprising independent candidates.

This was also the first time that as many as five of the eleven Fata MNAs in the National Assembly have been elected on a political party basis. In the past, only independent candidates were allowed to contest seats in the central legislature. Observers say independent MNAs, mostly from wealthy backgrounds, plan on using their influence for personal gains during Senate polls by having relatives or allies elected to the Upper House.

PPP’s Akhunzada Chitan, an MNA in the previous government, said authorities must curb horse trading. Speaking to The Express Tribune, he demanded Senate hopefuls backed by political parties be encouraged to stand for election rather than wealthy independent candidates.

According to media reports, the six independent MNAs have joined forces with the hope of having four of their favoured candidates elected to the Upper House. In the other corner, the three PML-N MNAs from Fata and one JUI-F lawmaker have sided together, while the sole PTI MNA is reportedly leaning towards the independents. With the independents seemingly in the majority, it is likely they will manage to secure their desired four seats in the Senate.

Meanwhile, other reports also suggest that wealthy candidates have offered as much as Rs300 million to each of the independent MNAs. If the rumours are correct, the group of lawmakers could walk away with billions in cash.

However, the K-P governor, who doubles as the chief executive of Fata, plays a vital role in the election process. Analysts say if he manages to split the independent group of MNAs and convince some to join hands with the PML-N and JUI-F group, the political parties could succeed. However, as it stands at the moment, not a single candidate has received a party ticket through which they can contest an Upper House seat and are going into polls as independents.

Another insider told The Express Tribune that central lawmakers want to elect their relatives or associates by striking a deal with their fellow NA members. He added the PTI MNA wants his relative—a wealthy former Fata senator—voted to the Upper House. At the same time, PML-N MNAs elected from the tribal areas have made an alliance with JUI-F whose sole MNA wants to see his man take a Senate berth. Meanwhile, PML-N MNAs are also are striving to get a relative of one of their party members from Waziristan to the
Upper House.

There are 36 candidates in the running from the tribal areas, but the real contest is among those with money and affiliations with lawmakers in the centre.

When asked, a former PPP candidate for the National Assembly, Dr Farooque Afzal, suggested the government ban independents from contesting Senate elections from Fata. He added Senators from the tribal areas be elected through a format similar to general elections.

Meanwhile, PML-N leader Nizamuddin believes that not only lawmakers from Fata, but all MNAs should be allowed to vote for Fata candidates. He says this will ensure that the election process is fair and elected Senators will be answerable to a political party in the tribal areas. He concluded such candidates will work for the benefit of Fata.

However, the main concern still remains over horse trading and the failure to issue tickets to party-backed Fata candidates. Farooq says independent candidates aim to strengthen their position and bargaining power with the government by not joining political parties. However, if some independents are lured in by political parties, the group will lose its majority and ability to negotiate.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 3^rd, 2015.