Key wins for PPP, JUI-F, independents in Balochistan LB by-polls

QUETTA: Local bodies by-elections were held across various districts of Balochistan on Sunday, seeing intense competition and notable victories for candidates backed by different political parties and independent contenders. Some candidates emerged victorious unopposed, while others secured their wins through tight contests, highlighting the diverse political landscape of the province.

As of late Sunday night, unofficial results from 25 electoral wards across Balochistan were compiled, shedding light on the key outcomes of these by-polls. Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) had a strong showing, securing victories in Lasbela, Zhob, Dera Murad Jamali and Dera Allah Yar.

National Party secured wins in Kachhi and Barkhan, while Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) won in Zhob and had a significant unopposed victory in Pishin. Independent candidates made notable gains, particularly in Dera Bugti, Sorab, and Chaghi. Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party had success in Pishin.

In District Kachhi, by-elections were conducted across two union councils. In Chillgari Union Council, National Party-backed candidate Malook Khan triumphed with 197 votes, far surpassing his rival Parvez Khan, who secured 77 votes.

In Ghazi Union Council, Saleh Muhammad won in Ward Lando 5 with 156 votes, while in Ward Maso, Ghulam Ali garnered 210 votes, claiming the top spot.

In District Lasbela, the municipal elections in Uthal saw tight race. Habibullah Pirwani of the Jam group clinched victory in Ward 1 with 190 votes, while PPP candidate Mola Bakhsh Khaskheli trailed with 135 votes. In Ward 2, Muhammad Rafiq Mandrah emerged as the winner with 467 votes, narrowly defeating tribal leader Sardar Imam Bakhsh Mandrah, who secured 423 votes. In Zhob, PPP celebrated a notable win, with Zafarullah Kakar claiming victory in Ward 37. Awami National Party’s (ANP’s) Sheikh Hadaq Khan emerged victorious in Ward 2, while JUI-F’s Allah Dada Nasir triumphed in Ward 15.

By-elections were also held in Dera Murad Jamali and Dera Allah Yar, where PPP’s Ijaz Dharpali and Wadera Saddam Hussain Khoso secured decisive victories, further strengthening the party’s presence in the province.

In Sorab, independent candidate Sheikh Muhammad Yaseen emerged as the winner with 151 votes, leaving behind his opponent, JUI-F’s Muhammad Rafiq Mengal, who received 69 votes.

In Barkhan, National Party candidate Wadera Baz Khan Buzdar triumphed in the UC Mehma Samand Khan Lonkhan Ward 4. In Dera Bugti, a region known for its independent political voices, a wave of independent victories was witnessed.

Candidates including Mehim Khan, Ali Nawaz, Yar Muhammad, Muhammad Anwar, Ghulam Hussain, and Ganjo Khan secured wins, reflecting the strong influence of local independent leadership.

In Pishin, Shamsuddin Jamal from the Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party won Ward 1 seat with 94 votes, defeating JUI-F’s Maulvi Atiq-ur-Rehman Darani, who received 76 votes. In a notable development, Muhammad Sharif from JUI-F was elected unopposed in a second seat.

In Chaghi, independent candidate Sanaaullah claimed victory with 167 votes, defeating Maulvi Ameenullah who secured 109 votes. Kalat saw the rare scenario of four candidates winning unopposed, including Ghulam Ullah, Mahmood Ghram, Shah Jahan and Sabira Bibi.

The by-elections were held from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, with strict security measures in place to ensure a smooth and peaceful process. The Election Commission confirmed that no untoward incident was reported during the polling hours.

In total, by-elections took place across 50 electoral wards in 25 districts of Balochistan, with 167 candidates vying for various local seats.

Voters turned out in substantial numbers, underscoring the significance of these elections in shaping the local political landscape. While the results remain unofficial, the outcomes reflected the ongoing political dynamics of Balochistan, where both party-backed candidates and independent figures continued to play crucial roles. With the completion of the by-elections, attention now turns to the broader implications for Balochistan’s political future as parties and independents assess the gains and losses from this round of voting.