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Saturday, July 27, 2013
‘PTI to contest election despite reservations’
Staff ReportISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan on Friday announced that his party’s candidate would take part in the presidential election fixed for July 30 despite reservations over the rescheduling of the poling date.
Addressing a press conference at the PTI Secretariat, Imran Khan said that after a consultation process his party had reached a conclusion not to leave the field open for the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) candidate by boycotting the poll. “Though I have serious reservations the way the (presidential) election was rescheduled, we have decided to take part in the election as we don’t want to leave an open goal for the ruling party,” said Imran.
Flanked by PTI candidate Justice (r) Wajihuddin Ahmed and others, Imran Khan said that the candidates had been given very little time for canvassing and they were not provided level-playing field. He said that the PPP and PTI candidates had not been given proper time for preparation but the decision to take part in the election was aimed at keeping the democratic traditions. Imran said that Justice (r) Wajihuddin was the most appropriate candidate for the presidential slot as he had made great sacrifices but he did not accept dictatorship by refusing to take oath under the PCO.
The PTI chief also expressed gratitude towards the Jamaat-e-Islami for extending support to the PTI nominee, adding that the decision to take part in the election process was made after through consensus. He said that it seemed that neutral umpires had not been appointed for presidential election. Responding to a question whether the PTI had decided to play the role of “friendly opposition” by not boycotting the poll, Imran Khan said that rather those who opted for boycott had played as friendly opposition. Imran reiterated his stance that the election results of at least four constituencies of May 11 election should be cross-examined and the votes should be verified through thumb-expression. Justice (r) Wajihuddin Ahmed said that by deciding not to boycott the presidential election, Imran Khan had taken a statesman-like decision. He said that this decision is in the larger interest of the country. He alleged that the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) had not provided level-playing field to all the candidates taking part in the election for the Presidency. app
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk