PPP boycotts presidential election

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) on Friday announced to boycott next week's presidential election in protest against the vote being brought forward without consultation, Geo News reported.

PPP senior leader and candidate for the presidential election, Senator Raza Rabbani announced the PPP's decision during a news conference here.

Rabbani said that the PPP seriously participated in the election campaign and contacted all the opposition parties. He said that his party also made efforts to unanimously nominate an opposition leader as well.

"We have been left with no alternative, but to boycott the election," said Senator Raza Rabbani.

Rabbani said that the Supreme Court decision made it difficult for him and other opposition candidates to campaign in four provincial capitals and the federal capital Islamabad in just two days.

"The Supreme Court did not issue us any notices, nor did they hear us or provide us an opportunity to present our point of view... a unilateral decision was made," Rabbani added.

"We see it is part of moves to impose the centre's rule again."

The senator said they hoped that the Election Commission will function independently after the 18th amendment. It was the ECP’s responsibility to announce the election schedule and hold the poll.

He said that the ECP had earlier rejected the government’s request to change the election date.

Rabbani said that PPP’s decision to boycott the presidential election is part of their struggle against the military and civilian dictatorship.

He thanked all the political parties for their support and guidance during the presidential election campaign, and also acknowledged the support provided by the masses.

At the occasion, PPP-P president, Makhdoom Amin Faheem said that it was an important day and the party decided to separate itself from the presidential poll after holding consultation with the other parties.

On Friday, Aitzaz Ahsan said the Supreme Court, ECP and the PML-N had decided the matter without hearing the other parties. “The Supreme Court has dictated the election schedule to the Election Commission,” he added.

Aitzaz Ahsan said the PML-N was afraid of the election campaign of Mian Raza Rabbani and had taken such measures to avoid defeat.

The Supreme Court ruled on Wednesday that the ballot would be held on July 30 instead of August 6 after the ruling party complained that the original date clashed with the end of Ramadan.

Many lawmakers tasked with electing a replacement for President Asif Ali Zardari will be on pilgrimage or offering special prayers at the tail end of the holy fasting month, the court said.

Twenty-four candidates applied to stand in the vote, although the election of Mamnoon Hussain, the candidate for the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-N party is considered a foregone conclusion.