Bilawal’s plan to appear on victory stand .
The Pakistan People’s Party has devised a strategy to ensure victory in the forthcoming elections, choosing to utilize a combination of incentives and pressure, commonly referred to as “carrot and stick” tactics, towards PTI candidates, instead of solely relying on Peoples support.
In the last two outgoing elections– in 2013 and 2018 – the PPP has not performed well in any province apart from Sindh, damaging its image as a national party. The PPP claims many reasons behind it and insists the vote bank is intact across the country, especially in Punjab. Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, the chairman of Pakistan People’s Party knows that the party has a mountain to climb if it is dreaming of appearing on the victory stand in the electoral battle this time around.
But now the cat is out of bag as PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari is seeing a glimmer of hope emerging from PTI candidates. It is evident that PTI holds significant popularity nationwide, having the most dynamic voter base. However, the party’s organizational structure remains weak. Notably, following the removal of its iconic ‘bat’ symbol, PTI candidates are now running as independents in the upcoming elections. Party leader Gohar Khan has also voiced concerns regarding potential horse-trading and defections.
These PTI candidates are soft target for Asif Ali Zardari who has vast experience in this field .In an interview with Reuters in Larkana, Bilawal said, “You know, lots of independent politicians, probably the highest (number) in our history, are taking part in the coming elections.”
Meanwhile Nisar Ahmed Khuhro, President of PPP Sindh and former speaker of the Sindh Assembly, stated on Friday that the legal provision prohibiting horse-trading would not be applicable to independent candidates joining any political party after winning their seats.
“Political parties can seek the support of independent candidates, and this should not be labeled as horse-trading,” he said and noted that due to the denial of the election symbol of a cricket bat to the PTI, its candidates are currently contesting as independents.
Renowned journalist Hamid Mir’s tweet also cautioned PTI voters that their votes for PTI would automatically go towards PPP and PML ‘N’ . These voters will definitely regret their choice soon after the victory celebrations.
