Stalemate: Charsadda district govt hangs in the balance
JI emerges as game changer for both opposing alliances in Charsadda
JI emerges as game changer for both opposing alliances in Charsadda. PHOTO: FILE
CHARSADDA:
After the local government re-polls, it seemed the number game has finally settled as the ruling parties looked set to form their district government in Charsadda. However, with the results rolled out and nazim and naib nazim elections around the corner, it seems the entire deal is back to square one.
Initially, the alliance of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, Jamaat-e-Islami and Qaumi Watan Party had agreed that the district nazim would be from QWP, naib nazim from JI and nazims for Shabqadar and Tangi tehsils would be from PTI. Furthermore, the tehsil naib nazims will also be from QWP.
Now that the PTI has gained the second position in the district with 13 seats, it has decided to alter the previously agreed adjustment and is demanding the district nazim berth for itself. Consequently, a deadlock has emerged within the alliance since the QWP refuses to budge from its position. QWP came third in the district with 10 seats to its name.
Although Awami National Party is leading the line, it does not have a single majority to form its own district and tehsil governments. This is because ANP has enough seats in Charsadda tehsil but not many in Shabqadar and Tangi tehsils. Hence, it can comfortably form a government only in Charsadda tehsil.
The game changer
JI performed poorly in the district, winning only three seats. However, as a result of the stalemate, it has interestingly gained a very significant position.
If it decides to go with ANP and its allies, they will collectively have 26 out of 49 seats to their credit. Similarly, if it agrees to stand by its long-time ally PTI, the ruling parties will also have 26 seats. The disagreement between QWP and PTI is being closely monitored by the ANP and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl as they have already made contacts with the JI leadership. They are hopeful of a breakthrough primarily because the three parties are on good terms with each other in Bannu , Buner and Swabi.
If JI agrees, then the alliance will be able to form governments in both Charsadda district and tehsil and in Tangi as well. The other possibility is that both QWP and JI join hands with the opposition parties and form a grand alliance.
On the flipside, if the ruling parties are able to resolve their differences, they can seal the deal in Shabqadar and Tangi tehsils and the district government as well.
Published in The Express Tribune, August 9th, 2015.
After the local government re-polls, it seemed the number game has finally settled as the ruling parties looked set to form their district government in Charsadda. However, with the results rolled out and nazim and naib nazim elections around the corner, it seems the entire deal is back to square one.
Initially, the alliance of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, Jamaat-e-Islami and Qaumi Watan Party had agreed that the district nazim would be from QWP, naib nazim from JI and nazims for Shabqadar and Tangi tehsils would be from PTI. Furthermore, the tehsil naib nazims will also be from QWP.
Now that the PTI has gained the second position in the district with 13 seats, it has decided to alter the previously agreed adjustment and is demanding the district nazim berth for itself. Consequently, a deadlock has emerged within the alliance since the QWP refuses to budge from its position. QWP came third in the district with 10 seats to its name.
Although Awami National Party is leading the line, it does not have a single majority to form its own district and tehsil governments. This is because ANP has enough seats in Charsadda tehsil but not many in Shabqadar and Tangi tehsils. Hence, it can comfortably form a government only in Charsadda tehsil.
The game changer
JI performed poorly in the district, winning only three seats. However, as a result of the stalemate, it has interestingly gained a very significant position.
If it decides to go with ANP and its allies, they will collectively have 26 out of 49 seats to their credit. Similarly, if it agrees to stand by its long-time ally PTI, the ruling parties will also have 26 seats. The disagreement between QWP and PTI is being closely monitored by the ANP and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl as they have already made contacts with the JI leadership. They are hopeful of a breakthrough primarily because the three parties are on good terms with each other in Bannu , Buner and Swabi.
If JI agrees, then the alliance will be able to form governments in both Charsadda district and tehsil and in Tangi as well. The other possibility is that both QWP and JI join hands with the opposition parties and form a grand alliance.
On the flipside, if the ruling parties are able to resolve their differences, they can seal the deal in Shabqadar and Tangi tehsils and the district government as well.
Published in The Express Tribune, August 9th, 2015.