In a recent interview on Geo News program “Naya Pakistan,” Senator Irfan Siddiqui, a senior leader and Chairman of the Manifesto Committee for Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), acknowledged the difficulties his party is facing in the distribution of tickets for the upcoming general elections on February 8.
Siddiqui candidly admitted that the PML-N is encountering challenges in the allocation of tickets, both in terms of logistical issues and lagging behind in running the electoral campaign. While discussing the matter, he emphasized that some issues are prevalent across the board, but the PML-N seems to be the party bearing the brunt.
The Chairman of the Manifesto Committee highlighted that the PML-N failed to negotiate on its principles regarding candidates involved in corruption, asserting that compromises were not made on theories related to corruption.
Senator Siddiqui pointed out that the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) government, during its formation, made promises to certain individuals who are now being granted tickets. Notably, he refrained from explicitly mentioning Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, underlining that the party does not dictate a manifesto or agenda with ten points during rallies or speeches.
It’s worth noting that with the general elections just around the corner on February 8, the PML-N is grappling with decisions regarding ticket distribution. Despite the passage of a week since the parliamentary board meeting, the party has yet to finalize decisions on who to award tickets and who to exclude. The issue is further complicated by unresolved seat adjustments with the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) and Quaid-e-Azam League.
Sources indicate that PML-N leaders have resisted seat adjustments with the PPP and Quaid-e-Azam League, adding a layer of complexity to the electoral landscape. Moreover, dissatisfaction among local PML-N leaders is palpable, not only concerning the allocation of tickets but also regarding decisions to grant tickets to defected members from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).
As the political uncertainty unfolds, the PML-N is caught in a delicate situation, struggling to navigate the intricate web of ticket distribution and alliance adjustments, setting the stage for a highly contested and dynamic electoral process.
