CEC should ensure free and fair elections: Rashid

The CEC would be held responsible 'if the local government machinery continues its support to the PPP candidates'

ISLAMABAD: Information, Broadcasting and National Heritage Minister Pervaiz Rashid called upon the AJK chief election commissioner (CEC) to play a more assertive role in ensuring free, fair and transparent elections.

He made these remarks following a visit to PIMS hospital to see Chaudhry Muhammad Aziz, the ailing Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) candidate from Haveli.

He urged the CEC to appoint those in administration who were not part of any political party. He said that such a move would prevent nepotism.

“Why did the CEC not take notice of the firing incident? Why is he reluctant to ensure the arrest of culprits?” he asked. He also wanted to know why the CEC was unable to ensure transparency in the upcoming elections.

The CEC would be held responsible “if the tense situation continues and the local government machinery continues its support to the PPP candidates,” he added.

The minister said such unlawful activities could weaken the Kashmir cause at the international level. He assured full support of the federal government to the CEC in ensuring peaceful atmosphere and holding free and fair elections.

He said during last two days grave human rights violations had been witnessed in Srinagar by Indian forces. He added that UN and international human rights organizations should take notice of these incidents in which at least 20 Kashmiris lost their lives.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 11^th, 2016.