The political scene in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is unclear, and mostly likely a coalition government of the like-minded political parties on the cards. Not a single political party is certain to single-handedly form a majority government. Independent candidates and small political parties could play a decisive role in the formation of the government.
Some senior leaders are in the run to win their elections in the province. There are some neck-to-neck contests expected, and the senior leaders of their respective parties are unsure whether they could win their seats easily.
Former three times prime minister Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif is contesting for the national assembly seat from Abbottabad, KP’s former chief minister Pervez Khattak is contesting from Nowshera both for the national as well as provincial assemblies. Former Interior minister and chairman of his party (Qoumi Watan Party) Aftab Ahmad Khan Sherpao, Jamaat-e-Islami Amir Sirajul Haq are contesting from Dir, and Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman is contesting from his native district Dera Ismail Khan is in the election. Awami National Party senior leaders Aimal Wali Khan and Amir Haider Khan Hoti are also in the run from Charsadda and Mardan respectively. Former chief minister Mahmood Khan is contesting from Swat.
There could be some tough competitions on these seats. Unexpectedly, some political stalwarts lost in the previous elections. The mood of the voters in KP is unpredictable, and could change at any time. However, there is a visible political divide in different regions of the province.
The political map is altogether revealing a different look when assessing the political scenario. The province is mainly divided into 3 to 4 regions. Every region has its separate support base for the national and regional political parties.
The central Khyber Pakhtunkhwa comprises Peshawar, Nowshera, Mardan, Charsadda and Swabi, the northern region. The northern districts of Swat, Malakand, Shangla, Buner, Lower, Upper Dir and Chitral. Hazara Region comprising Abbottabad, Harripur, Mansehra, Battagram and Tor Ghar districts. Southern districts consist of Kohat, Karrak, Lakki, Bannu, Hangu, Tank and Dera Ismail Khan. However, the tribal bordering region is a narrow strip, located along the Afghan border from Bajaur to South Waziristan, reflecting a totally different outlook.
In the challenging environment, 128 millions of the registered voters are likely to put their vote and support behind the political forces, who could put the country on the right track, the path of stability, economic development and peace. Who could win the elections 2024 is not as important, but who could win the hearts and minds after the polls.
Political stability is a key to move forward, and depending on the people’s support, who could they vote for? The political parties have put their future plans before the public to attract them. Now this could be decided by the voters on the election day, which party they will vote for.
In KP, nearly 21.1 million voters will cast their votes for their political parties in the elections being held on Thursday. Around 1800 candidates are in the field to contest for the 115 provincial assembly seats. Looking into the past records, there could be some surprising results in the elections.
There is no electoral alliance to contest the elections on a single symbol or fight jointly, but some seat adjustments here and there. Any party, who could grab majority seats, would go for making a coalition government with the support of other parties and independent candidates. Independent candidates could play a key role in the future political set up in the province.
The most critical phase will start once the results of the elections are announced, but it seems a broad-based government is most likely in KP. Any party or coalition parties understand the challenges ahead to steer the terrorism-hit province out of these multiple crises.
Security is the major challenge, but financial constraints are there as well. The province is under debts and liquidity crunch to meet the daily expenses and launch fresh projects. This could only be possible if all the political forces unite and resolve their issues.
The province needs leadership to have cordial relations with the center. Any misadventures could further push KP into trouble. Any government having better understanding with the center can deliver well. The people of the province have suffered heavily due to the surge in terrorism, inflation and unemployment.
A compromised coalition government, sometimes, is more important than a single party rule in the prevailing unusual circumstances. A united political voice and amiable politics may help to address the key issues. The people want a stable and peaceful KP province, and will go for the candidates of their choices to represent their collective interests.
It was a challenge for the government and political forces to reach out to the people but all the challenges and threats were thwarted by the public resolve.
Now all eyes are focused on having a peaceful polling day to decide the fate of the province and the country. It is in the hands of the people to vote for a bright and prosperous future setting aside all differences in achieving new heights.
