By and large fair and peaceful
The second phase of Local Government elections followed the pattern set in first phase. In both Punjab and Sindh the ruling parties won by a large majority, followed by independent candidates. The elections were by and large fair and peaceful and unlike Phase I there were only minor incidents of violence. This was because sensitive polling stations were clearly identified this time and the army agreed to spare additional troops as a backup of police and paramilitary forces. There were however glaring instances of mismanagement on the part of the Election Commission.
The PPP and PML-N have emerged victors respectively in Sindh and Punjab. From being mainstream parties with an elected representation from all federal units, the two have practically turned into provincial parties. The PPP has in fact been confined to rural Sindh only where in pockets it has faced serious challenges from opposition groups and alliances. This is a big comedown and both the parties need to realise its political implications. The PTI which had a meteoric rise was, however, not accepted by the voters as a viable alternative to the PML-N and PPP in 2013 elections. Its performance in Phase II of LG elections has remained as lacklustre as in 2013 and Phase I of the LG polls.
There are also lessons for the ECP to learn. The postponement of LG polls in a number of union councils and wards in eight Sindh districts a day before the elections has created confusion and drawn flak from a number of quarters including PPP Co-chairman and Sindh CM. The ECP had enough time after the September 18 directive of the SHC to revise the delimitation process in these constituencies. Earlier, the Supreme Court too had expressed unhappiness over the ECP’s failure to conduct the delimitation on time. The ECP has also been criticised by political parties and media for unsatisfactory arrangements ranging from mistakes in ballot papers to wrong choice of polling stations. Hopefully, the ECP would put up a better performance in the conduct of Phase III.