MANSEHRA, April 17: Though only 24 days are left to the general elections, there is little electioneering in Mansehra due to terrorist threats, differences in political parties over award of tickets, and the disinterest of the people by and large.
Last month, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz leader Nawaz Sharif, Pakistan Tehrik-i-Insaf chief Imran Khan and Jamiat Ulema- i-Islam-Fazl head Maulana Fazlur Rehman addressed large public meetings in the district.
Political analyst Fahim Ahmad told Dawn on Wednesday that he was surprised that unlike the past, candidates were not much enthusiastic about election campaigns this time around.
“By and large, they (candidates) have yet to mobilise the people. The reasons are terrorist threats to their life and lack of the people’s interest in electoral process,” he said.
The analyst said terrorist attacks on candidates in other parts of the province had also restricted electioneering in the district. According to him, most candidates are seen visiting from door to door for votes.
Political activist Yasir Jillani said until political leaders and workers stepped out for canvassing, things were unlikely to change.
He said almost all political parties had given tickets in the district to non-party men to the unrest of their leaders and workers.
“Unfair distribution of tickets is stopping activists of political parties from taking part in electioneering,” he said.
A large numbers of people are in the running for two national and five provincial assembly seats in Mansehra.
Sixteen candidates will contest elections in NA-20 constituency, 15 in NA-21, 27 in PK-53, 23 in PK-54, 24 in PK-55, 21 in PK-56 and 13 in PK-57.
REVENUE OFFICERS TRANSFERRED: The Mansehra district administration on Wednesday transferred 55 revenue officers, including 48 Patwaris and seven gadawars, to ensure fair and transparent elections on May 11.
“In line with the Election Commission of Pakistan orders to keep government employees away from the electoral process to ensure its transparency and fairness, 55 revenue officials have been transferred from one to other patwar circle in the district,” said deputy commissioner, Mansehra Zulfiqar Shah told reporters here on Wednesday.
Mr Shah said the transfers and postings were made only to make the election process fair because some circles had reservations about revenue officers.
He said his administration had been striving for impartial and peaceful elections in the district.