Re: Bush Administration Pushing Elections in Pakistan Following Bhutto Assassination.
Nawaz Sharif has become a joke. Zardari today referred to Nawaz like a father speaking to a child.
Would NS take Zardari's advice and take part in the democratic process? I can't wait to find out.
Re: Bush Administration Pushing Elections in Pakistan Following Bhutto Assassination.
PML-N reverses boycott decision
Formal announcement on Jan 1
ABRAR SAEED
ISLAMABAD- Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), which had announced to boycott elections in protest against Benazir Bhutto’s assassination, has reversed it decision following the announcement of Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) to participate in the upcoming elections. Soon after the press conference of Pakistan People’s Party leadership in Naudero, in which decision to appoint Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, son of Benazir Bhutto, as the PPP Chairman and participation in the upcoming elections was announced, PML-N Spokesman Siddiqul Farooq quoted his party Quaid Mian Nawaz Sharif to have decided to take part in the elections, and a formal announcement in this connection would be made in the party Central Executive Committee meeting on Jan 1, 2008. When contacted, PML-N Chairman Raja Zafarul Haq said that the decision to take part in the elections would be made in the Central Executive Committee of the party to be held under the chairmanship of Mian Nawaz Sharif on January 1 in Islamabad.
Commenting on the decision of Pakistan People’s Party to take part in the upcoming elections, he said it was their decision and they better comment on it but our decision to go to polls or otherwise would be made by the party after taking formal approval from the PML-N Central Executive Committee. The party sources disclosed that spouse of late Benazir Bhutto and former senator Asif Ali Zardari had requested Mian Nawaz Sharif to revoke his decision to boycott elections when the latter went to Naudero to pay his respect to Benazir Bhutto who had laid down her life for the cause of democracy. These sources further disclosed that Mian Nawaz Sharif, after his visit to Naudero, had decided that they would go to elections if PPP would decide not to boycott the elections. These sources further disclosed that Senator Asif Ali Zardari had thanked the PML-N Quaid for showing solidarity with them in this time of trial, adding that as their party leadership was not in favour of boycott they would have no choice but to go to polls. He requested the PML-N Quaid not to boycott the elections and also assured him that he would make the formal request to his party to end boycott in his press conference on Sunday, and he did it. These sources further disclosed that the decision to participate in the elections was already taken and the matter would be placed before the Central Executive Committee meeting just to complete the formality.
Our Monitoring Desk adds: PML-N chief Nawaz Sharif has said that no fair probe into PPP chairperson Benazir Bhutto assaissination is possible in presence of Pervez Musharraf. Talking to a private TV on Sunday, Nawaz Sharif said that the nation would not believe any development regarding the probe in the presence of the sitting Judiciary. He said that PML-N welcomed and respected the decisions taken by PPP Central Executive Committee and appointment of Bilawal Bhutto Zardari as party chairman. If PPP decided to go to the elections, his party would review its decision after consultation with party leaders, said Nawaz Sharif adding that the decision of boycotting the polls was taken as a solidarity gesture with PPP. Nawaz Sharif urged that all democratic parties should join hand for the restoration of the constitution and genuine democracy in Pakistan.
http://www.nation.com.pk/daily/dec-2007/31/index7.php
Re: Bush Administration Pushing Elections in Pakistan Following Bhutto Assassination.
It was going to be a sham elections anyway because of the planned rigging. Now with BB dead and NS out of the field if the elections go ahead they will not have any credibility. The best course is for a truly national govt with people from all parties, minus Musharraf and than elections in a years time.
Daleel bhai, I believe the delaying the elctions by one year as you have suggested is a bad idea. The longer the elections take, more chances of PPP breaking up.
Re: Bush Administration Pushing Elections in Pakistan Following Bhutto Assassination.
It is not about PPP, it is about what is best for Pakistan.
Re: Bush Administration Pushing Elections in Pakistan Following Bhutto Assassination.
I believe the delaying the elctions by one year as you have suggested is a bad idea. The longer the elections take, more chances of PPP breaking up.
Yes, delaying the elections by one year is a bad idea as some are suggesting. I did say earlier in this thread too long a delay would be bad for the PPP, as it would lead to infighting and divsions in the party.
But never did I think that Zardari would hijack the party, along with his teenage son so soon - that will hasten the PPP's splits and blood-letting believe me. Zardari as leader for the PPP will be sure to impact their votebank, whenever the elections are held, as even the most die-hard supporters will have trouble justifying this succession by will, rather than a democractic election. Even the most tinpot African dictatorship does not have such a ridiculous leadership succession!
That said with all the PPP mob violence and destruction over the last few days, which is still ongoing in some parts, and which has caused disruption to parts of the country, it is probably better to have a few weeks delay in the election - but no more. That would be a sensible thing to do, as we don't want allegations in the future that elections were held in a highly disturbed environment etc.
Re: Bush Administration Pushing Elections in Pakistan Following Bhutto Assassination.
Yes, delaying the elections by one year is a bad idea as some are suggesting. I did say earlier in this thread too long a delay would be bad for the PPP, as it would lead to infighting and divsions in the party.
But never did I think that Zardari would hijack the party, along with his teenage son so soon - that will hasten the PPP's splits and blood-letting believe me. Zardari as leader for the PPP will be sure to impact their votebank, whenever the elections are held, as even the most die-hard supporters will have trouble justifying this succession by will, rather than a democractic election. Even the most tinpot African dictatorship does not have such a ridiculous leadership succession!
That said with all the PPP mob violence and destruction over the last few days, which is still ongoing in some parts, and which has caused disruption to parts of the country, it is probably better to have a few weeks delay in the election - but no more. That would be a sensible thing to do, as we don't want allegations in the future that elections were held in a highly disturbed environment etc.
Very good analysis. PPP has just kicked itself in the teeth.