Setting straight: Bilour fears low election turnout

Says party is handicapped, going in elections with only their past record to show.

PESHAWAR: The Awami National Party (ANP) candidate for PK-3, Haroon Bilour, said the turnout on May 11 will be low due to the poor state of security.

While addressing a press conference at the Peshawar Press Club on Monday, Bilour, who is the son of former provincial minister late Bashir Ahmad Bilour, urged people to actively participate in the upcoming general elections “to defeat the forces who want to derail the democratic process.”

Bilour denied Pakistan Peoples Party leader Zulfiqar Afghani’s allegations that the ANP has purchased votes of Christians and other non-Muslims, adding his party believes in democracy and would never use unfair means to win.

Afghani had also alleged the ANP is using government funds and carrying out developmental projects in their constituencies to gain supporters.



“My party is not in the government nor do they have government funds for an election campaign,” Bilour said in response to the criticism. He added that attacks on ANP have ‘handicapped’ the party’s campaign. “We are going for elections on the basis of our five-year performance.”

“Our past performances are good enough for us to go in the elections”.

He further said the Election Commission of Pakistan should ensure that security is provided for voters so they can cast their ballot without fear.

He also asked the people to use their vote to select loyal and true leaders who would work for the progress and development of the country.

“The leaders and workers have to endure each other on May 11 as it is a day for democracy,” he said adding “We believe in peace, and honour the flags and badges of other parties the way we honour ours.”

Published in The Express Tribune, May 7^th, 2013.