Appointment of permanent EC demanded

ISLAMABAD—Ruling, opposition parties and social organizations have demanded of the government to appoint Election Commissioner on permanent basis by making Election Commission more independent. The parties said that incumbent election commission do not possess the capability to hold Local Council elections due to which various perplexities emerged. Code of ethics was violated in the LG polls. Confidence of people over the process of elections is diminishing.
Speaking at seminar organized by an NGO, Pakistan Institute of Legislative development and Transparency (PILDAT) on Monday here on local council elections, various representatives of ruling, opposition and NGO expressed their views on this occasion. Parliamentary leader of Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) Dr Farooq Sattar said that only 10 to 15 percent local bodies elections came under objections because loosers tend to level allegations to hide their failures and flaws. He also said that MQM was in support of independent and free election Commission. He further added that it is not necessary for the Election Commissioner to be from the judiciary while appointment of EC should be made with the consultation of all political parties.
Mehnaz Rafi of PML Q said that massive violation of code of conduct was recorded during the LG polls that included casting of vote on fake national cards besides the interference in the polling stations. Criticising over the LG polls, parliamentary secretary Riffat Kahlo said that LG polls were rigged as per influence and power.
Farid Piracha of MMA alleged that ballot papers were sold out in bazaars where as polling agents in Karachi were barred and said that Election Commissioner cannot hold free and fair elections, as he is government employee. He demanded that next election should not be held under the supervision of current EC because he has no ability to hold elections. MNA of MMA, Balqees Khatoon, Khalid Mamon of PPP and Asadullah Bhatti rejecting the results of LG polls said, “it was not rigging in LG but a massive terrorism” and alleged that Punjab and Sindh changed results on the power of stick. Shamim Akhtar of MQM said that holding of peaceful LG polls in Karachi can be observed by this fact that winners were declared defeated the other day and results were changed four times.—Online