Chief Minister Khattak confirmed Jamaat-e-Islami and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf will go hand in hand to the polls. PHOTO: INP
Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa’s ruling and opposition parties are pitched for another battle—this time for the upcoming local government (LG) elections in May.
According to a handout issued late Monday, Chief Minister Khattak confirmed Jamaat-e-Islami and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf will go hand in hand to the polls. Khattak was quoted as saying at a meeting in Mardan: “PTI will contest the forthcoming local bodies elections in coalition with Jamat-e-Islami under seat adjustment arrangements.”
The opposition’s Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl, Pakistan Peoples Party and Awami National Party leaders are scheduled to meet in Mardan on Tuesday (today) to discuss the revival of an otherwise dormant tripartite alliance.
Provincial opposition leaders scheduled the meeting at the Mardan residence of PPP K-P chief Khanzada Khan to explore the possibilities of joining forces. Just as the tripartite managed to pull together on the eve of the recent Senate polls, they are likely to stand side by side when the region goes to vote for local government elections.
Meanwhile, JI Secretary Information Advocate Israrullah told The Express Tribune an electoral alliance for LG polls between his party and the PTI was “a done deal”. He said the leadership of both parties made this decision on a provincial level, while the input of district chapters would be welcomed. Speaking about the inclusion of Awami Jamhoori Ittehad Pakistan to the alliance, he said PTI wanted the party to be part of the coalition.
Taking stock
On the other hand, Qaumi Watan Party and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz seem to be playing the waiting game and have yet to make any announcements about their friends or foes.
QWP’s spokesperson Tariq Khan said his party had not made any contact with other political forces ahead of the polls.
Some political parties are instead taking stock of their preparations. They have asked their local chapters to compile reports on their readiness for polls and finalise the names of candidates.
Tariq said his party asked district chapters to present their reports about the political situation and their preparations within 10 days.
He said some local chapters including Mardan and other districts briefed the party leadership on potential alliances.
On Sunday, PTI and JUI-F also asked their local chapters to provide names of candidates, while the JI had done the same earlier. The same day JUI-F announced the formation of a two-member committee to review the local government elections. The party also asked district chapters to present a report about the potential impact of an alliance with PPP and ANP.
Meanwhile, PTI has asked its workers to submit their applications for party tickets to contest for nazim and naib nazim slots by March 25.
Published in The Express Tribune, March 17th, 2015.
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