Foggy Weather, Intense Campaigning in NA-2 Swat

APP
Swat: In the National Assembly constituency NA-2, Swat-1, three prominent political figures from different parties are gearing up for a fierce electoral battle, with campaigning intensifying despite the prevalent foggy weather.
A total of nine candidates, representing various political parties and independents, are actively participating in the electoral race, including PML-N KP President Engr Amir Muqam, PPP leader and former MNA Dr Haider Ali Khan, and ANP’s former provincial minister Mohammad Ayub Khan, along with others.
As per the electoral list issued by the respective returning officer, these candidates are vigorously engaging with large tribal communities to secure support for the upcoming 2024 elections. Notably, in the 2018 election, Dr Haider Ali emerged victorious in the constituency with 61,687 votes, followed by Amir Maqam of PML-N with 41,125 votes and Naveed Iqbal of ANP with 18,088 votes.
Reflecting on previous elections, in 2013, PTI’s Salimur Rehman secured a win with 49,887 votes, defeating Amir Muqam of PML-N and JUI-F’s Hafeezur Rehman. In the 2008 elections, Syed Alauddin emerged as the winner, and in 2002, MMA’s Dr Fazal Subhan claimed victory in the constituency.
With a total of 485,400 registered voters, including 265,578 men and 219,822 women, and 341 polling stations set up for the February 8, 2024 elections, the constituency encompasses upper areas of Swat, such as Kalam, Bahrain, Madyan, Fatehpur, Khawaza Khela, Charbagh, Malam Jabba, Sangota, Kokari, and Jambil. Wajid Ali Khan, a former Provincial Minister, emphasized the challenges candidates might face in mobilizing voters in these mountainous regions, particularly during adverse weather conditions like snowfall and rain.
Additionally, the aftermath of the 2022 floods has posed a significant challenge for the area’s communication infrastructure and the local hotel industry, requiring substantial efforts in rehabilitation by the incoming government.
Meanwhile, the election campaign is in full swing, with candidates conducting public meetings, corner gatherings, and rallies to sway the voters. Observers predict that the youth demographic will play a pivotal role in determining the election outcomes on February 8.