Though the general elections scheduled for February 18 are just around the corner, electioneering in Balochistan has yet to gain momentum. Intra-party differences and the freezing temperatures have cast a spell on electioneering in the province. In the provincial capital, except for a few parties, the rest have yet to start electioneering with full force.
The All Parties Democratic Movement (APDM) on the other hand has launched its polls boycott campaign. The alliance has staged rallies in Zhob, Lora Lai, Dalbandin, Noshki and other districts. On February 6, a rally was scheduled to be held in Quetta. Elections have created deep divisions among the political parties. Various parties have split up. The example of Jamiat Ulema Islam is vivid as fissures have surfaced in the political party. An ideological group has taken shape in the party, expressing its reservations over the party leadership. Similarly, the National Party has divided as well. Dr Abdul Hayee Baloch is playing boycott politics. On the other hand, Senator and Vice-President Sanaullah Zahri is participating in the polls. In addition to this, many nationalist leaders are participating in the elections in an independent capacity.
In this regard, the Pakistan Muslim League is saying that the nationalist leaders boycotting the polls are directly or indirectly supporting the nationalists who are running in independent capacity. The party itself is not free from rifts. During its five years in rule, the PML has also experienced intense party divisions and differences. Many of the prominent PML figures left the party in wake of these differences. The provincial party leadership didn’t pay much heed to the issue. This year as well, differences surfaced on the issue of awarding tickets. Many of the PML leaders joined Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N).
An independent like-minded group was formed. Later, some of its members joined PML-N. They spoke of integrating the like-minded group in PML-N, but former governor and independent candidate Syed Fazl Agha refused to accept the decision. He announced that the like-minded group would maintain its independent identity.
Various political parties have criticized the PML and have accused the former ruling party of violating the election code of conduct by launching a massive advertisement campaign. They have also lamented the role of the election commission for keeping mum on the issue. The protest demonstrations staged by various political parties against the role of election commission seem futile.
The law and order situation in the province is still poor. Many circles are still in a fix whether elections will even take place. But a conclusive opinion cannot be given in this regard beforehand.
Regarding the confusions about the holding of elections, head of a non-governmental organisation Nasrullah Khan maintained that the boycott of polls by the nationalist parties, internal divisions in Jamiat Ulema Islam and the role of interim setup in the province are reasons behind the scenario. He believes that the caretaker provincial government is supportive of a specific political party and accused it of running its election campaign.
Nasrullah Khan believes that this is the reason as to why the people of the province have questions regarding the partiality and fairness of the coming polls.
Political pundits are of also of the view that the elections will bring further bloodshed to the province. They suspect tribal clashes, attacks on polling stations, incidents of kidnapping of candidates, and stoppages in polling process.
Some parts of the province like Sui, Dera Bugti, Kohlu, Mastung, Khuzdar, Qalat, Punjgur, Turbat, Gwadar, Qila Abdullah and Gulistan are being considered as very sensitive in the wake of the elections. In these areas, terrorists and miscreants have been operating for the past four to five years. Bloody tribal clashes continue in these areas.
In addition to this, the nationalist parties boycotting the polls exercise strong influence in these areas. They have already said they will not allow polls on February 18. They have urged the masses not to take part in polls, saying taking part in polls would be synonymous to disloyalty to the Pushtuns and Balochs.
On the other hand, the chief election commissioner Balochistan, Khan Baloch, has said all preparations for holding of elections in free, fair and transparent manner have been made.
According to him, 3,457 polling stations have been established in the 30 districts of the province, out of which more than half, that is 2,500 polling stations, have been declared sensitive where army and frontier corps personnel will be deployed to ensure security.
According to official statistics, the total number of registered voters in Balochistan is 43,066,000.
Former governor Balochistan and candidate from NA-271 Punjgur-Kharan, Gen (R) Qadir Baloch, has said the Baloch nation was not against Pakistan, but “we want rights and control of our resources and shoreline”. He urged the government to give equal rights to the province.
