Rana Zaman Saeed, leader of the Pakistan Jamhoori League (PJL), expressed his contentment over the announcement of the schedule for the upcoming general elections in February 2024. However, he emphasized the need for stringent measures to ensure the elections are fair, transparent, and accepted by all political parties.
While talking with journalists here on Sunday, Saeed lamented the historical trend of elections in Pakistan not being recognized by political parties, citing this as a major obstacle to strengthening democracy in the country.
“Whatever elections have been held in the country’s history, due to their non-recognition by the political parties, democracy could not be strengthened,” remarked Saeed during the briefing. He underscored the potential consequences of unfair and non-transparent elections, stating that it could result in political instability, further damage to the economy, and increased hardship for the nation’s poor through inflation.
Saeed called upon all relevant institutions, including the Election Commission, to prioritize the interests of the people over any particular political party. He stressed the importance of allowing citizens to exercise their right to vote freely, emphasizing that the elected candidate, chosen by the people, should assume the responsibilities of governance.
Highlighting the contrast with prosperous nations, Saeed remarked that the rich countries of the world are developing due to their strong systems. He expressed concern that, instead of progressing, Pakistan is experiencing degradation daily. Saeed attributed this decline to self-interested politicians and elements within the establishment who, he claimed, attained power through unconventional means, labeling them as criminals against the nation. As the country approaches the crucial 2024 elections, Rana Zaman Saeed urged for collective efforts to ensure a democratic and transparent electoral process that reflects the will of the people and contributes to the progress and stability of Pakistan.
