Local govt: Horse-trading allegations surface in Mardan

MARDAN:

Allegations of horse-trading have surfaced in Mardan as the race for the district nazim’s seat remains in full swing.

According to insiders, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf and Awami National Party have allegedly resorted to horse-trading to win the district nazim seat in Mardan. As per unconfirmed reports, both parties have been vying for the coveted post and are allegedly selling women and peasant seats at Rs1 million.

“The race for the district nazim is likely to put both PTI and ANP into competition,” an insider told The Express Tribune. 

“As a result, bargaining is taking place. Parties are allegedly trying to use shrewd tactics to gain the coveted post.”

Mardan district council comprises 112 seats – including those of elected and reserved members. Initially, PTI had 46 seats. However, the count increased to 57 when 11 seats of the allied parties were added to the handle. Meanwhile ANP has 54 seats, including those of its allies.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 22^nd, 2015.