THE Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has done well by putting to rest rumours about possible delay in the general election or at least in the KP and Balochistan where security situation is deteriorating due to various factors and reasons. The Commission convened a crucial meeting to deliberate upon the law and order situation and Minister for Interior Dr Gohar Ejaz told newsmen afterwards that February 08 elections would be held as planned and there would be no postponement on any consideration or in any circumstances. Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikandar Sultan Raja also affirmed that there should be no ambiguity in anyone’s mind about the election, which will be held on the appointed date.
There is no doubt that the security situation both in KP and Balochistan was not normal as a number of candidates and election related activities remained the target of terrorists during the last several weeks and according to the Interior Minister the incidents of lawlessness were aimed at creating fear among people. The Minister, however, believed that incidents occurring in Balochistan were not related to the elections but were acts of terrorism, adding there was no political polarization in Balochistan; our major challenge in the province is terrorism and the security agencies are appreciably protecting the country. It is encouraging that in the meeting all law enforcing agencies and intelligence agencies reaffirmed their resolve to provide enhanced security to candidates while Pakistan Army would be available to assist in the maintenance of law and order on the polling day. In this backdrop, there was no justification for the argument that elections should be delayed in the two provinces as postponement for days would not change the ground realities whereas delay of weeks and months will have serious implications for the entire process of transfer of power to the elected government. The ECP deserves credit for its hard work and comprehensive preparations to make the electoral exercise smooth, peaceful and transparent but this objective can only be realized if all stakeholders, political parties, contesting candidates and people at large extend their sincere cooperation to the Commission for satisfactory discharge of this onerous responsibility. It is also the responsibility of every citizen to keep an eye on anti-social elements so that their designs are foiled effectively.
