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 foray among few key ministers is playing havoc with the party organization.
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 on Rehman Khan’s divorce on Saturday.
Many analysts predict that the timing of the divorce may put negative impact on overall party performance.
Punjab party organizer Chaudhry Sarwar has though pledged to accept fair and free polls the party may not be satisfied with the results which if not came 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 PML-N and PTI are the real claimants to maximum seats while 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 Punjab with a clear edge to the PML-N not because of its popularity but because of PTI’s failures on account of organized and sustained campaign and selection of candidates.
PTI which has fast replaced PPP in Punjab seems to be better placed against the PML-N due to gaining support of the PML-N and PPP disgruntled members 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 PTI appears to have learned little lesson from its past failures to field suitable candidates in polls who are really custodians of party’s agenda.
Khan’s mantra of rigging or organized rigging in 2013 general elections may not work this time since the ECP has taken all the measures necessary to prove fairness and transparency in the polls.