by Syed Irfan Raza | Amjad Mahmood in Dawn, November 20th, 2023
• Says environment ‘conducive’ for elections, Peoples Party ready for contest
• PML-N ‘endorses’ statement, asks all political leaders to sit together to overcome crises
ISLAMABAD/LAHORE: A day after sharing apprehensions regarding the lack of level playing field in the lead-up to polls, PPP
leader Asif Ali Zardari on Sunday reposed confidence in the Election Commission of Pakistan’s ability to hold transparent
elections — a stance appreciated and “endorsed” by PML-N.
The remarks made by the former president seemingly contradicted the reservations aired by his son Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari who
has been holding political gatherings to charge up the party support base in the run-up to the Feb 8 polls as well as taking
swipes at former ally PML-N. A day earlier, the PPP chairman likened the current political scenario to that of 1988.
“Was there any level playing field in 1988 when IJI [coalition] was formed against [former prime minister] Benazir Bhutto? But
still, Benazir Bhutto won the election and became the first female prime minister of the country,” he had said.
In a statement on Sunday, Asif Zardari said, “I have full confidence in the Election Commission of Pakistan that it will hold
fair and transparent elections.”
The ex-president said the environment was conducive for elections and they should be held on time.
He said PPP was the only party which had the ability to contest elections in all kinds of environments. “I am sure that on
February 8, PPP will emerge as the majority party of the country,” he added.
Only a day before, Mr Zardari informed UK envoy Jane Marriott about reservations expressed by his party members about the
transparency of elections. In a comment about the meeting, a PPP leader had told Dawn, “…[Zardari] conveyed his feelings and
thoughts within the party ranks about how one party [PML-N] is already seen coming into power months before the polls. The
indicators and sentiments do not support the claims of level playing field.”
It may be noted that in addition to PPP, the PTI has also alleged that PML-N is getting undue favours from the powers that be
ahead of elections. They point to the caretaker set-up — which has the inclusion of pro-Sharif men — to corroborate their
claims.
‘N’ welcomes remarks
Speaking about the allegations levelled at her party, PML-N leader Marriyum Aurangzeb welcomed the statement made by the PPP
leader and suggested politicians should sit together to resolve the issues faced by the country instead of indulging in blame-
game.
“The country cannot afford politics based on personal benefits. Therefore, all politicians will have to sit together to resolve
the issues being faced by the country,” she said, adding, “Taunts of favouritism cannot deviate PML-N from its objective of
making electricity, gas, and bread affordable for the people of Pakistan after coming to power.”…..
In a jibe at rival political parties, Ms Aurangzeb said even opponents were convinced that Nawaz Sharif would become the next
prime minister……
https://www.dawn.com/news/1790831/zardari-confident-capable-ecp-will-hold-fair-polls
