Zero tolerance to polls disruption bid: PM
Staff Report

ISLAMABAD—Caretaker Prime Minister Mohammedmian Soomro has said that the government is committed to extend every possible support to the Election Commission in holding general elections on time in a free, fair and transparent manner. He said this while talking to Mr. Michael Gahler, Chief Observer of the EU Election Observation Mission to Pakistan.
The Prime Minister said that the government has invited foreign observers and media persons to monitor the election process so that they witness the fairness and transparency of elections. He said more than 3000 observers have so far been issued visas and elaborate arrangements have been made to facilitate them. He said in order to ensure transparency the Election Commission has prepared translucent ballot boxes while the voters’ lists have been put on the internet and returning officers have been empowered to compile results at the polling stations.
The Prime Minister said that government has strictly prohibited the use of state machinery for the purpose of electioneering and all the District Nazims have accordingly been given clear directions. The Prime Minister reemphasized that successful completion of the election process is in the interest of entire nation. He reiterated that no disruption in the process will be allowed and zero tolerance will be shown against anybody who creates hurdles or obstructions in this regard. The Prime Minister said that concerned departments have been directed to take all necessary measures to ensure holding of elections peacefully in all parts of the country. He said army, rangers and paramilitary forces have also been asked to assist the government so that masses can be provided a conducive atmosphere in which to exercise their right of vote. The Prime Minister said that general elections being held after the completion of previous assembly’s mandated period of five years augurs well for the future of democracy in the country as it would further strengthen the democratic institutions.
He said the people, particularly members of political parties should refrain from prejudging the election results as this could unnecessarily raise the sentiment on the streets. The party which secures majority will have to demonstrate large heartedness while others should accept the results with grace. He said the government would welcome any suggestion from the foreign observers.
Mr. Gahler told the Prime Minister that the EU Election Observation Mission to Pakistan is assessing all phases of the election process and would give its initial report two days after the elections while final report would be presented after two months.
Caretaker Prime Minister Mohammedmian Soomro on Friday said the government would extend every possible support to the Election Commission in holding general elections on time in a free, fair and transparent manner.Talking to Michael Gahler, Chief Observer of the EU Election Observation Mission to Pakistan, the Prime Minister said the government had invited foreign observers and media persons to monitor the election process to witness the transparency of elections. He said more than 3000 observers had so far been issued visas, while elaborate arrangements had been made to facilitate them. He said to ensure transparency, the Election Commission had prepared translucent ballot boxes while the voters’ lists had been put on the internet and returning officers had been empowered to compile results at the polling stations.
The Prime Minister said the government had strictly prohibited the use of state machinery for electioneering and all the District Nazims had accordingly been given clear directions. The Prime Minister emphasized successful completion of election process in the interest of entire nation. He reiterated that no disruption in the process will be allowed and zero tolerance will be shown against anybody who creates hurdles in this regard. He said army, rangers and paramilitary forces had also been asked to assist the government so that masses could be provided a conducive atmosphere to exercise their right of vote.
Gahler told the Prime Minister that the EU Election Observation Mission to Pakistan was assessing all phases of election process and would give its initial report two days after the elections while final report would be presented after two months.