The Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI) elections for the 2024-26 term have become embroiled in controversy as the Businessmen Alliance (BMA) accuses the Election Commission of biased support for the ruling group, Businessmen Group (BMG).
Asif Sakhi, a leader of the BMA, expressed concern over the tactics allegedly employed by the Election Commission to favor BMG, raising doubts about the electoral process. Sakhi pointed out that the Directorate General of Trade Organizations (DGTO) has repeatedly made decisions unfavorable to the KCCI Election Commission, yet the same Commission—appointed by the ruling group—continues to oversee the elections.
The BMA believes that the Election Commission’s actions are prolonging the process and hindering the alliance’s participation. According to Sakhi, it was only after staging protests that serial numbers for BMA candidates were assigned, despite their having met all legal requirements. He accused the ruling group of using stalling tactics and creating unnecessary obstacles. “The ruling group resorted to mobilizing a large police presence to intimidate BMA leaders and candidates, but this strategy backfired,” Sakhi said.
After a heated protest at the Karachi Chamber on September 14, 2024, the BMA panel finally succeeded in obtaining the serial numbers for their candidates, losing yet another day in the process. The BMA leadership has called for the KCCI elections to be conducted under the supervision of a High Court judge, alongside the President of the Karachi Bar and the President of the Karachi Press Club.
This, they believe, would ensure a fair and transparent election. The BMA also criticized BMG for its prolonged 25-year hold on power, arguing that under their leadership, the business community’s issues have only worsened instead of being resolved.
The alliance’s demand for judicial oversight is seen as a last effort to prevent further discord and ensure the integrity of the elections.
