As the local bodies elections near, the election campaign in 12 districts in the Punjab is gaining momentum, with candidates trooping door-to-door to drum up public support. As many as 40,429 candidates are in the run for offices of chairmen, vice chairmen, general councillors in Lahore, Faisalabad, Gujrat, Chakwal, Bhakkar, Nankana Sahib, Kasur, Pakpattan, Okara, Lodhran, Vehari and Bahwalnagar.
Out of 40,429, there are 33,794 candidates contesting for the posts of general member of union councils, wards and municipal committees. There are also 124 women fighting for the posts of chairperson, vice chairperson and general seats. A total of 204 non-Muslims are in the run for these posts in the 12 districts.
A survey said on Tuesday candidates from both the governing and Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaf parties continued their campaign on Monday ignoring the devastation caused by the powerful earthquake that jolted north-east Afghanistan and Pakistan. Even during Muharram, the campaign dragged on. In Lahore, on Monday, the candidates carried on with their campaign serving their supporters with meals. Despite the candidates' claims, problems such as dilapidated roads, encroachments and improper sanitation emerge as the main thorns.
On the whole, the campaign has witness a more enthusiastic youth. A young named Ali Hamza Afzal, who is part of a corner meeting by a candidate for the chairman of the Union Council 68 in the Mozang area, said he was happy because he was experiencing such an election festivity for the first time in his life. "We have always had a bad experience with civic bodies when it comes to resolving issues such as roads and sewerage, but now I hope these issues will be resolved swiftly," he said. Analysts believe that apart from the governing and the Insaf parties, it is expected that some independent candidates are also expected to give tough time to two parties.