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Wednesday, April 24, 2013

EU observer visits Lahore, Karachi, meets Baloch leaders

ISLAMABAD: Chief Observer Michael Gahler, Member of European Parliament, is on a three-day trip to Punjab and Sindh where he met with electoral authorities, caretaker government officials, political party leaders, civil society and media representatives.
In Karachi, the chief observer also met with the senior leaders of Balochistan National Party-Mengal (BNP-M) and Pakhtunkwa Milli Awami Party. “During the trip I have met with a wide range of people playing an important role in this election. Given that we are not in a position to be present for long-term observation in Balochistan, I am particularly glad to have met with some of its political leaders. We will carry on following what is happening in Balochistan and other parts of Pakistan,” said Gahler.
The EU Election Observation Mission is observing in the provinces of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab and Sindh; and in Islamabad. Due to the security situation, the mission cannot implement its long term comprehensive methodology in Balochistan and FATA. However, the EU election observers are actively following what is happening in these areas. “Electoral violence is unfortunately a feature of these elections. Each attack on political parties and others involved in the election is an attack on the democratic process itself. We therefore hope that all state authorities and stakeholders demonstrate their commitment to the greater democratic process by standing united and taking whatever measures possible to prevent such violence.” Chief Observer Gahler ends. staff report

Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk

 

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