December 14, 2007	Friday	Zilhaj 3, 1428

TAXILA, Dec 13: With the polling day now less than four weeks away, the former ruling Quaid League (PML-Q), with over 90 per cent nazims and councillors in its bag, seems to be the only party in the business of electioneering in Hassanabdal. The main opposition parties — Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Peoples Party Parliamentarians (PPP) — have yet to begin their campaign to mobilise their respective vote banks.

As a result the traditional heat of the contest is nowhere to be seen. Hoisting of party flags at roof tops, slogan chalkings on walls and vehicles, and tent enclosures for party gatherings in mohallahs and playgrounds are still scarce. The short time for campaigning and the vast size of the constituency for the National and provincial assemblies, covering the rural and urban areas of Hassanabdal including some parts of Fatehjang, are discouraging smaller parties to enter the arena. Only the Q League is beating its drums in the virtual absence of PML-N and PPP supporters.

As constituencies have been divided on the basis of union councils, the Q supporters only are participating in canvassing with the overwhelming support of nazims and councillors most of whom belong to the king’s party. They are truly upbeat with majority of them having established election offices in their areas. Posters, banners, pamphlets and large-sized pictures of the PML-Q candidates can be seen in different parts of the city.

The opposition parties are accusing the administration of facilitating the PML-Q candidates and allowing them to use official machinery in the election campaign.

The Caretaker setup which is also mostly composed of the king’s party does not seem to be bothered about this violation of the election code of conduct. The town and union council nazims are openly supporting the PML-Q candidates and aiding their election campaigns with public funds, manpower and other resources, but these allegations of the opposition candidates are not being heard.

The supporters of the different religious parties are in complete disarray as a major component, the Jamaat-i-Islami has not only boycotted the election but is actively opposing it.

During opinion survey conducted by this reporter people said the code of conduct was very strict and under the emergency workers of opposition parties feared police could arrest them and register false cases against them for attending political rallies.

Some cited the cold weather for the cold campaign.—Correspondent