SWAT: Swat’s PK-7 constituency is bracing itself for atough contest on Feb 8 with 13 candidates in the electoral arena.

The Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf, Pakistan Muslim-League-Nawaz and Awami National Party have significant support in the area.

Political observers sayDr Amjad Ali, a former provincial minister for housing and a prominent figure in the PTI’s ranks, is the front runner.

Having clinched victory in the last two elections, he is a formidable candidate. He is contesting election as an independent backed by the PTI.

PTI, PML-N and ANP have good support in constituency

Observers anticipate a close contest between Dr Amjad Ali and nominees of rival parties. Notable among them are Sher Shah Khan of ANP, Mukhtiar Raza Khan of the Pakistan Peoples Party, Habib Ali Shah of the Tehreek-i-Insaf-Parliamentarians, Shahi Nawab of the Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam, Tilawat Khan of the PML-N and Riaz Ahmad of the Jamaat-i-Islami.

However, the establishment of a new political party, PTI-P, as well as differences within the PTI have changed the political landscape of the constituency.

“ANP’s Sher Shah Khan and PTI’s Dr Amjad Ali (independent)strongly believe that they will win the election by a huge margin,” said Iqbal Ali, a political activist from Barikot tehsil.

However, observers said that the recent developments within the PTI had added an intriguing twist to the electoral landscape.

Dissent among PTI workers, mainly from Babuzai tehsil, has led to the emergence of a rival candidate, Arshad Hussain.

“The annoyed group of the PTI, mainly from Babuzai tehsil, encouraged another local leader, Arshad Hussain, to contest elections in the same constituency, which can harm the position of Dr Amjad and benefit other party candidates,” said Barkat Ali, a journalist from Odigram area.

Amid politicaldynamics, the PML-N’s presence remains palpable with its supporters actively mobilising through rallies and meetings across the constituency.

The PK-7 constituency comprises 171,680 registered voters, including 93,361 men and 78,319 women. A total of 115 polling stations and 380 polling booths will be set up.

Notably, this constituency has been redrawn after the latest population census, encompassing areas from Babuzai and Barikot tehsils.

In the previous 2018 elections, Dr Amjad Ali secured victory by getting 24,239 votes followed by Sher Shah Khan of ANP with 10,275 votes and Habib Ali Shah of PML-N with 9,977 votes.

To find your constituency and location of your polling booth, SMS your NIC number (no spaces) to 8300. Once you know your constituency, visit the ECP website here for candidates.

Published in Dawn, February 1st, 2024