NA-61 Chakwal is one of those constituencies where a tough competition is expected in upcoming general elections. All the leading political parties like Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz), Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), Pakistan Muslim League (Q) and Pakistan Tehrek-i-Insaf has strong presence in this constituency.
Based on current political situation in NA-61 no anticipated winner can be singled out in this constituency and all depends on mood and trend of polling day. Family politics holds dominance over party politics in NA-61. Tammans are one of most influential and vibrant political families of the area. They have won this constituency in last three election held in NA-61 Chakwal.
In 2002 general elections Muhammad Faiz Tamman emerged as returned candidate contesting elections as an independent candidate. He was followed by Sardar Mansoor Hayat Tamman of PML-Q. PPP candidate could only manage fourth slot.
Election results in 2002
Name of Candidate Party Obtained Votes
Muhammad Faiz Tamman PML-N 101644
Sardar Mansoor Hayat Tamman PML-Q 76171
Muhammad Amir MMA 9754
Syed Ijaz Shabir Bukhari PPP 6671
MNA Muhammad Faiz Tamman later joined Pakistan People’s Party Patriot (PPPP) which was a group of parliamentarians defected from Pakistan People’s Party to join hands with General Pervez Musharraf. PPPP ended up with a merger in PML-Q.
2008 General Elections
Elections are a season for switching political loyalties in Pakistan and 2008 was no exception. Muhammad Faiz Tamman of PML-Q switched to PML-N while Sardar Mansoor Hayat Tamman of PML-Q switched to PPP. In 2008 PML-Q president Chaudhary Pervez Elahi also decided to contest the election from the NA-61 but he could not challenge Faiz Tamman who once again emerged as returned candidate after securing 92291 votes. Pervez Elahi emerged as runner up after getting 91769 votes. Like 2002 elections Pakistan People’s Party candidate could only grab 3rd slot.
Name of Candidate Party Obtained Votes
Muhammad Faiz Tamman Independent 92291
Chaudhry Pervez Elahi PML-Q 91769
Sardar Mansoor Hayat Tamman PPP 28807
Muhammad Faiz Tamman had to resign from his seat in lower house of Parliament over issue of fake degree. However, he has always maintained that he resigned over differences with party leadership and has nothing to do with his academic qualifications. His nephew Sardar Mumtaz Tamman contested by-elections as PML-N Candidate and won this seat with a convincing margin.
By Election results
Name of Candidate Party Obtained Votes
Sardar Mumtaz Tamman PML-N 104739
Sardar Mansoor Hayat Tamman Independent 7978
Election 2013 results: A Preview
Election 2013 represents a much different situation in NA-61 than past. With emergence of Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf to prominence in 2011 Sardar Faiz Tamman decided to join the PTI bandwagon. Sultan Surkhru, who was member of provincial assembly has also joined PTI. With the inclusion of two political heavyweights of the area PTI has gained a much stronger position in NA-61.
Muhammad Faiz Tamman who has a record of securing over 90,000 votes he contests is expected to be a PTI candidate while PML-N is expected to field his sitting MNA Sardar Mumtaz Tamman. Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) is also expected to award ticket to Sardar Mansoor Hayat Tamman.
Real contest in NA-61 is expected to be between PML-N and PTI.
