CARETAKER Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar said Wednesday he does not see any possibility of a delay in the general election, reiterating that the polls would be announced and conducted on time. In an interview, he reiterated the resolve of the Government to hold free and fair elections, adding all the registered political parties had legal and constitutional rights to canvass, mobilize people and attract public support.
This is a welcome statement, which comes in the backdrop of wild conjectures being made by some circles regarding a possible delay in the conduct of the general election. No doubt, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) was carrying out its preparatory work for holding elections but in the absence of a clear-cut date, rumours keep on circulating, creating confusion and uncertainty on the issue. Such rumours gained currency with the consistent statements of JUI (F) leader Maulana Fazlur Rehman, who pleaded for a postponement citing harsh weather conditions in January. He is also arguing that the country was sinking and the economy should take precedence over elections, meaning thereby that polls should be held after achieving fiscal and economic consolidation. In this background, the statement of the Prime Minister assumes greater significance and we hope the ECP would announce the election date without further delay. The assurance of the PM about free and fair elections and that all registered parties have a right to participate in the exercise is also important and must be reassuring for all political parties. Mr Kakar, however, clarified that the government would not be responsible if someone was legally barred from the political process and this is quite understandable.
