Re: Fraud fears overshadow Pakistan polls
^^ I am saddened to see the attitude of people from even the 'educated' sections of our population. Pakistanis have always fallen an easy prey to unsubstantiated rumors and conspiracy theories, and the educated amongst us can try to behave responsibly and not fuel unsubstantiated rumors and pass "fears of rigging" as "reports of rigging."
How have people observed the "pre-stuffed" ballot boxes even before the election day. This was a rigging method in previous elections, but with the advent of "transparent" plastic ballot boxes, it's not even possible in this election to 'pre-stuff' the ballot boxes.
I am really saddened to see how you (Asif in this case) are suggesting that it's better to sit at home (and later voice our opinions thorugh violence and protests i presume?) than to participate strongly in the elections to nullify and negate any (alleged) rigging.
I can understand anti-Musharraf sentiment, but I cannot understand the pessimistic and discouraging tactics of many people on this board. The local media have amplified fears of rigging, which was then caught and reported by foreign media, and then re-reported by local media, creating not only an echo chamber but also introducing a false credibility to these allegations: Jang said that Aaj said that Geo said that CNN said that a survey company said that my uncle knew a guy in ISI who said there was massive rigging being done! Shameful!