Army to ensure peaceful elections

The army on Friday assured the Election Commission its complete support in peacefully holding the upcoming parliamentary polls, the military said.

The assurance comes at a time when the recent series of deadly bomb attacks in parts of the had raised concerns over peaceful elections, likely to take place in May.

Ministers say the current assemblies will be dissolved on March 16 and a caretaker set up will supervise elections within two months.

As election campaign slowly gains momentum concerns are also growing about peaceful elections in view of the attacks by the Taliban and its affiliated banned extremist groups.

The recent deadly bombings in the port city of Karachi, which killed nearly 50 people and injured about 200, had further increased possible challenges for the elections.

However, the army’s assurance of providing support to maintain peace will be a source of satisfaction for the election panel and the caretaker set up to complete the transition in peace.

The Secretary Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) visited Military Operations Directorate, General Headquarters on Friday and issues related to provision of security during conduct of elections were discussed, the military said.

“Army authorities assured all possible support to ECP to ensure peaceful environment for the elections,” a statement from the army’s Inter-Services Public Relations said.

More details of sensitive areas and polling stations will be worked out by ECP and shared in next meeting scheduled after announcement of election dates, the statement said.

Opposition political parties were concerned at possible security challenges and also demanded deployment of troops at sensitive areas to check any possible threats.

Days before the visit of the members of the election commission to the army’s headquarters, the army chief, General Ashfaq Pervez Kayani, had personally assured the Chief Election Commissioner, Fakhruddin G Ebrahim of the army’s full support in peaceful and transparent elections.

Gen Kayani also told senior journalists and columnists, last month that he supports the idea of holding a free, fair and transparent parliamentary election leading to a peaceful transfer of power in the country.

“We will accept election results wholeheartedly. If the people elect good or bad people, it is not our responsibility. It is our constitutional responsibility to support whoever forms government,” Gen Kayani said.

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Posted by Tahir Khan on Mar 8 2013. Filed under Latest News, National, Pakistan. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.