Out of the fray: PML-N decides to go solo in LG polls

Joining alliance will not make much of a difference, says Rehmat Salam Khattak

PESHAWAR:

The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz has announced its decision to steer clear of any political alliances in the upcoming local bodies’ elections in the province.

The decision comes at a time when opposition and treasury parties in the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Assembly have already picked sides for the upcoming local government (LG) polls. The tripartite alliance of opposition parties—Awami National Party, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl and Pakistan Peoples Party—has decided to contest elections on a joint electoral symbol. Similarly, the ruling coalition has also indicated it will face the opposition as an alliance.

However, PML-N and Qaumi Watan Party have refrained from taking sides, something both parties did in by-polls and Senate elections.

Speaking to The Express Tribune, PML-N K-P General Secretary Rehmat Salam Khattak said his party is unlikely to join any major alliance.

Simply solo

“LG polls are mostly contested on the basis of local influence, affinities and relationships,” he said. “Entering into an alliance will create problems for the party.”

According to Khattak, the tripartite alliance is likely to face a series of challenges.

He added, “Parties joining an alliance will have to deal with a large number of candidates who will want to contest elections as independent candidates as their tickets are likely to be denied due to seat adjustments.”

The PML-N leader said joining an alliance will not make much of a difference as all political parties have their respective strengths and weaknesses.

However, Khattak said a party which is currently part of the tripartite alliance wants to join hands with the PML-N.

“I cannot name the party as it could result in countless problems,” he said. “However, we are likely to meet the party over the coming days.”

Khattak said his party would rather engage in seat adjustments with other parties at the district-level across the province.

PML-N provincial information secretary Nasir Musazai shared Khattak’s views about going solo.

“In my personal opinion, I would prefer to contest elections without joining hands with other parties,” he said. “However, the party has kept its door open for negotiations.”

PM’s visit

According to Musazai, party leaders have voiced reservations about the PML-N’s performance in LG polls.

“Many PML-N leaders are worried about how party would fare at the local level, given the central leadership’s perceived apathy towards the party in the province,” he said.

However, the party’s provincial information secretary insisted Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif is likely to visit the provincial capital on Wednesday and provide a solution to this dilemma.

“The visit will provide the party with a much-needed boost for the LG polls,” he added.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 21^st, 2015.