THE voters of NA-120 will deliver the finale to a crucial electoral race today.

Much significance has been attached to the result of the by-poll by not only the PML-N and PTI, seen as the two main contenders, but other contestants as well. The PML-N’s Kulsoom Nawaz is contesting the seat vacated by the long-dominating party chief Nawaz Sharif.

Consequently, even a sharp decline let alone an upset loss in the ratio of votes in comparison to the PML-N’s past performance in the constituency would be put down to the court ruling that disqualified Mr Sharif.

The outcome will also determine the value of the presence of Maryam Nawaz, who has spearheaded the PML-N drive, and it will once again highlight the dent caused to the PTI by the absence from the campaign of Imran Khan because of certain laws.

The PTI has to come up with a good enough show in today’s balloting to press its credentials as a replacement for the troubled PML-N, a situation similar to what the PPP encountered previously. The PPP is contesting the NA-120 seat more in the hope of awakening its cadres from a state of inactivity following the party’s failure to maintain its popularity in Punjab.

On a quieter level, by fielding its candidate, this is exactly what the Jamaat-i-Islami is perhaps seeking to do, i.e. add some verve and purpose to the dull existence of its workers — just as some other right-wing or so-called religion-based parties are trying to assert themselves as new entrants in the political arena.

Labbaik Ya Rasool Allah and Milli Muslim League are testing the waters enthusiastically.

They might not as yet be strong enough to tilt the balance in favour of this party or that, but there is no doubt that their commitment to entering mainstream Pakistani politics will have a long-lasting influence on the democratic processes in the country.

For now, these groups are suspect in the eyes of many as mere imposters hiding behind a democratic façade; they are doing so, especially in the case of MML, by flaunting the many resources at their disposal.

Together, these parties provide a glimpse of the possible shape of politics in the country in the coming days. Whatever the outcome, the impact of the results will be huge. The trends provided by NA-120 will go a long way in defining the policies of the players in the electoral race.

Published in Dawn, September 17th, 2017