Political Parties Nasirabad
Balochistan is divided into political pockets. Feudal considerations play an important role in its politics. Support for a candidate is based on tribal/personal and ethnic factors more than on political colour. In Nasirabad district the role of political parties is subject to personal and ethnic considerations. Since the restoration of party based democracy in 1988, the Pakistan People's Party (PPP) has been stronger than other political parties. PPP candidate Nabi Bakhsh was elected into the National Assembly twice, in 1988 and 1990. He lost to Zafrullah Jamali by a little margin in 1993. In 1997, Zafrullah's son: Faridullah got elected as an independent candidate. PPP candidate Sadiq Umrani got elected twice from PB 23, in 1988 and 1993. He lost to Fateh Umrani, an influential and big landlord, who was elected as an independent candidate in 1990. In 1997, Fateh Umrani got elected again on Jamoohri Watan Party ticket, but mostly owned his success to his personal background.
The role of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) is based on the support given by the Jamali family. However, the personal, social and financial status of candidates cannot be ruled out. Nabi Bakhsh and Zafrullah Jamali are financially and tribally influential men. Zafrullah Jamali has been a Federal Minister and Chief Minister.
In 1996, a new political party was established by Gul Hasan Manjoo: the Jamoot Qoomi Movement (JQM). The party is established on an ethnic basis, appealing to Jamoot tribesmen. If votes are cast on ethnic lines, the JQM can win. The Balochistan National Movement (BNM) and Jamoohri Watan Party (JWP) are active in the district politics by nominating their candidates on PB 22 and PB 23, and NA 203. Zahoor Khosa (JWP) has been elected for PB22 since 1985, owing his victories to his personal influence rather than his political colour. Fateh Ali Umrani also owed his victory over his rival Sadiq Umrami to his personal influence. Party support in winning the elections was minimal.
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