Poll delay on hinges on PPP’s decision
By Our Special Correspondent

ISLAMABAD—PML-Q president Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain and former chief minister of Punjab Chaudhry Pervez Elahi held separate meetings with President Pervez Musharraf and caretaker prime minister Muhammadmian Soomro and exchanged views with reference to holding of election in the prevailing law and order situation in the country.
President Musharraf asked Chaudhry brothers if the elections be held or other wise in the present situation. They were of the view that death of PPP chairperson was very shocking but elections be held on January, 8. Chaudhry brothers told they had asked this question from over 60 candidates of party who also opined elections should take place as scheduled. Therefore, elections be not postponed nor the date be extended in this respect, they added.
President told he was in contact with different political parties and would see what decision PPP would take. If PPP announced to participate in the elections then elections will be held as per schedule and in case they announced not to take part in the elections in the current situation or give any proposal for postponement of elections then they can be postponed. President said he wanted improvement in the situation and was desirous democracy should gain strength.
Later Chaudhry brothers met caretaker prime minister. Muhammadmian Soomro told them about his contacts with different political parties saying extremists would not be allowed to take law into their hands. Chaudhry brothers exchanged views with the caretaker prime minister on different proposals with respect to improvement in law and order situation.
Chief Election Commissioner Justice (retd) Qazi Mohammad Farooq suggested to President Musharraf that if the violent situation in the country persists than the option to postpone the upcoming general polls for some time should be considered. The Chief Election Commissioner called on the President in Rawalpindi on Saturday and exchanged views on the matters related to the general elections in light of the current situation. According to sources, the CEC conveyed his concern pertaining to the current violent situation in Pakistan after the assassination of Benazir Bhutto.
He told that the offices of the Assistant Election Commissioners located in Sukkur, Jamshoro, Naushero Feroze, Kamber Shahdadkot, Thatta, Ghotki, Jacobabad, Badin and Dadu districts of the Province of Sindh were set on fire and the buildings along with the record, electoral rolls, Transparent Ballot Boxes and Voting Screens were reduced to ashes. Additionally, all activities pertaining to pre-poll arrangements including printing of Ballot Papers and logistics as well as Training of Polling Personnel have been adversely affected in the aftermath of the unfortunate assassination of Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto on the 27th December, 2007.
Besides, as per reports from the Political Agent/DRO, Kurram, the law and order situation in Kurram Agency is not conducive for the conduct of Poll, he told. Sources told that CEC in view of this situation has suggested to the president that the polls be postponed for some time if the violent situation persists.