PESHAWAR, Dec 20: The smooth conduct of elections in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (Fata) will be difficult because of the fragile law and order situation there. The candidates are facing numerous problems, especially in areas where clashes are taking place, sources say.

“Militants are playing a decisive role in the polls as the authorities have been marginalised,” said a source. Candidates enjoying the support of liberal political parties are facing threats and are unable to run their election campaigns in remote areas.

Political agents also expressed reservations over the volatile situation in their respective areas and had urged the authorities in the Civil Secretariat, Fata, to postpone the polls.

An official said that militancy, military operation, inter-tribal disputes and explosive devices were major factors marring the electioneering in the region.

Security Secretary for Fata Shakil Qadir conceded that some problems existed but the polls would be held in Fata as per schedule.

He said that some political agents had identified trouble spots, and the government had planned to shift polling stations to safer places, adding that foolproof security arrangements would be ensured.

The situation in the Kurram tribal region, which has two National Assembly seats, is very fragile because of clashes. Major parts of NA-37 Upper Kurram Agency, including the Parachinar city, are still under curfew while rival factions blocked major roads.

In Mohmand Agency, a candidate Maulana Mohammad Sadiq was kidnapped two days ago. While the father of a candidate from NA-43 Bajaur Agency Hayat Muhammad was shot dead by masked men on Wednesday night. Uncertainty loomed large over the volatile North and South Waziristan agencies.

There are 188 candidates running for 12 NA seats from Fata.

According to the lists released by the Election Commission, 21 candidates are participating in polls from NA-36 (Mohmand Agency), 24 candidates from NA-37 (Upper Kurram), 20 candidates from NA-38 (Central Kurram), 14 candidates from NA-39 (Orakzai), 20 candidates from NA-40 (North Waziristan), 11 candidates from NA-41 (South Waziristan), four from NA-42 (South Waziristan), nine candidates from NA-43 (Nawagai-Bajaur), nine candidates from NA-44 (Khar-Bajaur), 13 candidates from NA-45 (Landi Kotal-Khyber), 23 candidates from NA-46 (Bara-Khyber) and 20 candidates from NA-47 (Frontier Regions).