Syed Ali Shah, Manan Mandokhail, Aziz Marri, Sardar Khondai :
QUETTA: In a surprising shift, independent candidates won more seats than over 10 political parties during the recently held local bodies elections in Balochistan’s 32 districts. Independent candidates secured over 1,500 seats in the local government polls.
Around a dozen political parties won fewer seats as compared to independents as per the unofficial and unconfirmed results of over 3,000 councilors seats in Balochistan.
However, Jamiat ul Ulema e Islam (JUI) stood first by securing 469 seats in the local governments’ elections. The religious group won most of the seats in Ziarat, Loralai, Pishin, Killa Abdullah, Chaman, Khuzdar, Mastung, Kalat, and other parts of the province.
The ruling Balochistan Awami Party (BAP) won 303 seats so far. However, the Baloch nationalist party, National Party (NP) got 145 seats. Pashtoonkhwa Milli Awami Party got 139 seats, and Balochistan National Party (Mengal) got 102 seats in the local government elections. Pakistan Tehrik e Insaf has secured 71 seats and Pakistan Muslim League (N) got 20 seats in the LGs polls.
The GRM defeated a four-party alliance comprising the Balochistan National Party (Mengal), National Party (NP), Jamiat ul Ulema e Islam (JUI), and Pakistan National Party (PNP).
No serious allegations of fraud were reported from any part of Balochistan during the polls held after nine years. Almost all political parties claimed victories in the polls conducted in a comparatively peaceful atmosphere.
