PK-93 by-polls : Women expected to rewrite Dir’s electoral history

Large numbers expected at constituency’s 134 polling stations

UPPER DIR: As the constituents queue up outside polling stations in PK-93 (Upper Dir III) today to vote a new lawmaker in, it is expected that the region’s electoral history will never remain the same.

With all arrangements, including security, in place, women are expected to break the shackles of regression and turn up in huge numbers to cast ballots. Analysts have reason to believe mainstream parties like Jamaat-e-Islami and Pakistan Peoples Party, who were earlier accused of not letting women vote, have actively campaigned this time around to encourage Upper Dir’s women to exercise their constitutional right – an activity never witnessed before in the twin districts.

The seat fell vacant after JI’s Malik Behram Khan was disqualified over a fake degree. According to a district administration official, the number of polling stations designated for women has been increased from six to 14. “Earlier there were 126 polling stations in the constituency. The total number has now jumped to 134.”

A staffer of the Upper Dir election commission office said polling will commence at 8am and end at 5pm. The constituency has been divided into six security zones and around 7,000 police and levies personnel will patrol the streets. As many as 738 polling officials have been deputed. “All arrangements have been made. We will ensure no untoward incident takes place.” PK-93, Upper Dir III comprises 148,000 voters, including 90,000 men and 58,000 women.

Section 144 has been imposed on the display of weapons. Cell phones will not be allowed within the premises of polling stations. Leaves of health officials have also been cancelled and they have been summoned to the hospitals and health centres to tackle any emergency scenario.

JI has pitted Malik Azam Khan who will compete against PPP’s Sahibzada Sanaullah and independent candidate Malik Jamshed. Despite losing the seat to Behram’s fake academic credentials, JI is in pole position to regain the berth thanks to overt support of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf and Qaumi Watan Party. Meanwhile Sanaullah is counting on Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl, Awami National Party and PTI’s disgruntled workers to turn the tide in JI’s stronghold.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 15^th,  2015.