SWABI, Aug 27: Awami National Party leaders claimed on Monday the party would sweep next elections in the district.

They were talking to media persons after holding a meeting at the residence of district president Haji Rehmanullah here.

Mr Rehmanullah said in past parties either entered into an alliance or moved for seat-to seat adjustment in a bid to defeat the ANP candidates. But, he added when there was no alliance the ANP candidates emerged victorious.

He said late Dr Mohammad Salim won election against the ANP’s Aman Khan under the same strategy in 2002 elections from KP-31, Swabi-I. But, when there was no alliance in 2008 elections, incumbent provincial Minister for Ushr and Zakat Zar Shaid Khan emerged victorious, he added. Similarly, MPAs Sikandar Irfan and Sarfaraz Khan Jadoon also won in 2008 elections when the opposition parties failed to enter into an electoral alliance, he maintained.

Mr Rehmanullah, who was elected twice as MNA from the district, said Swabi had remained a stronghold of ANP because the party had carried out “record development”.Tamraiz Khan, ANP's district general secretary and the expected candidate from KP-31, Swabi-I, claimed differences among the opposition parties and the unfulfilled promises made with the people would give an edge to the ANP in the district. “It might be difficult for the opposition parties to gang up against the ANP in the upcoming general elections,” he said.

Aamir Rehman, former MPA and son of Rehmanullah, said: “We would appeal to people to vote for ANP candidates because we have completed record development projects during our government.”