Challenges being faced by PML-N, PTI in LG polls

ISLAMABAD: The ruling PML-N is perturbed over its internal feuds which are likely to impact the local bodies polls in Punjab.
The differences among key ministers are playing havoc with the party organisation. The PTI despite claims by its leadership of preparedness has not been able to increase its vote bank due to Imran Khan’s disturbed family life which culminated in Rehman Khan’s divorce on Saturday.
Many analysts predict that the timing of the divorce may have a negative impact on the overall party performance. Punjab party organiser Chaudhry Sarwar has though pledged to accept fair and free polls yet the party may not be satisfied with the results which, if not according to its expectations, would have nothing to do with the Election Commission of Pakistan’s failures.
Among the mainstream parties participating in these polls, only the PML-N and PTI are the real claimants to maximum seats while the remaining parties like PPP, PML-Q, Jamaat-e- Islami, JUI-F, etc, are neither seriously contesting nor they expect any miracles out of the polls.
Political pundits have already predicted a tough fight among the two main rival parties in the Punjab with a clear edge to the PML-N not because of its popularity but because of PTI’s failures on account of organised and sustained campaign and selection of candidates.
The PTI, which has fast replaced PPP in Punjab, seems to be better placed against the PML-N due by gaining support of disgruntled members of the PML-N and PPP who rushed to it before local bodies polls to get tickets.
The struggle Imran Khan has waged against “rigging” has started producing dividends as the ECP has made fool proof arrangements to ensure free and fair polling without interruption or irregularities. But the PTI appears to have learnt little lessons from its past failures to field suitable candidates in polls who are really custodians of the party’s agenda.