Karachi: Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan demanded of government to cancel Local Government (LG) polls, held on January 15 and conduct new free, fair and transparent voting.

Speaking at press conference here, Deputy Vonvener MQM-P Wasim Akhtar told journalists that it had been four days since elections were conducted yet results had not been released.  “Why are results being delayed when there’s no bad weather or greater turnout?” Akhtar asked. He said that everyone, including Free and Fair Election Network regarded these elections as rigged. According to FAFEN report on Sindh LG polls, controversies over quality of electoral processes do not augur well for country, particularly at time when political parties are preparing for general elections that are constitutionally due by October 11, 2023. 

MQM-P’s leader demanded that Karachi, “Which provides for country and is major source of Sindh’s annual budget, must be taken care of”. While criticising Sindh government over loose conduct of elections, he said, “If LG polls were rigged on such large scale, then what would happen in general elections?” He also criticised Election Commission of Pakistan for not considering repeated appeals made by MQM-P by saying “ECP has failed to deceive us this time.” He said that elections had been postponed “Three times” in both cities and yet “Delimitation of constituencies was not corrected.” Akhtar further claimed “Rigging is also taking place after polls by making attempts to increase voter turnout.”

MQM-P’s leader highlighted that turnout was low “Only because MQM-P boycotted polls.” He said that compared to 2015 LG polls turnout was very low this time around.  MQM-P leader noted that Pakistan Peoples’ Party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf and Jamat-e-Islami were confused about what to do. Wasim Akhtar said his party would approach court against alleged pre-poll rigging in Local Government elections held on Sunday.

Published in The Daily National Courier, January, 21 2023

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