NEW DELHI, April 13 (IANS) The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Thursday issued a statement demanding independent powers along the lines of the Election Commission of India (ECI) to hold clean and transparent elections in Pakistan, a media report said.
The statement came after Pakistani President Arif Alvi gave an interview to a private television channel and compared polling stations in the two countries.
The Election Commission of Pakistan also refused to state any “government pressure” on the Communist Party of Pakistan, Samaa TV reported.
The ECP explained that the Supreme Electoral College has not accepted pressure from any government in the past and will not do so in the future.
The ECP spokeswoman regretted the president’s statement regarding government pressure, and said they strongly deny it, Samaa TV reported.
President Alawi had criticized the government’s decision to postpone the upcoming general elections, under the pretext of insufficient funds.
Alavi explained that the elections should not be postponed in a democratic country due to lack of money, adding that the Supreme Court should decide on the date of the elections.
Sama TV reported that Alawi stressed the importance of democracy in the country and called for avoiding talking about martial law even in jest.
Alvi noted that the Pakistani forces made many sacrifices for the country, and elections were held even during the operations against terrorism. He stated that there is no question of postponing the elections even in light of the ongoing census.
He assured that Pakistan will not default nor derail democracy. He stated that the government is making excuses to postpone the elections.
– Jans
san / arm
