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PML-N tells PTI: no rigging, no resignation of PM
APP
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Muslim League-N, terming Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s charges of rigging in general election 2013 as “mere allegations”, has out rightly rejected PTI’s demand for the resignation of the prime minister.
In a para-wise response to PTI’s proposals to address the prevailing political impasse, which was also endorsed by leaders of all political parties, PML(N) says it is of the view that the solution can only be within the framework of the Constitution and the law. The PML(N) in a detailed reply, which was presented to the leadership of PTI on Thursday, said the demand of prime minister’s resignation is “without any constitutional, legal, factual or moral basis”. However, the party said it recognizes the need for electoral reforms and believes Judicial Commission as a proper mechanism to address the PTI’s complaints.
The written response mentions that general elections held on May 11, 2013 were considered “fairest of all the general elections held in Pakistan thus far” by independent observers, nationally and internationally. “Unfortunately, the PTI is attempting to make them controversial by belatedly refusing to accept the people’s mandate in favour of the PML(N),” the document says. It referred to FAFEN Report that mentions that despite the fact that out of 410 election petitions filed with the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) regarding general election 2013 [326 of which have been decided], only 58 petitions [39 of which have been decided] were filed by PTI members.
Moreover, the election results were initially accepted by PTI, whose MNAs and MPAs, after taking oath, took active part in proceedings of their respective Assemblies till the recent submission of their resignations. “Paradoxically, PTI continues to maintain that the elections in the province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), where it has formed the Government, were perfectly fair,” the PML(N) said in its written reply. The document said the vote-bank of the PTI, as evident in the official figures of the Election Commission of Pakistan, was acknowledged and respected.
It also mentioned the typos in PTI proposal para 1.1 as total votes received by PML(N) were 14,874,104 and not 14,847,104; PPPP received 15.23 percent of the popular vote and not 15.32 percent. “PTI’s assertions in this para, particularly regarding public perception about complaints of illegalities and rigging in the GE 2013, are incorrect, baseless and unjustified and hence vehemently refuted,” the document said. The written response mentioned that the allegation that PML(N) had “usurped the popular mandate through unfair means” was not just incorrect but ludicrous as PML(N) was clearly not in a position to perform the alleged acts.
“Indeed, the very mention of such an allegation in a proposal for a political solution is counter-productive,” it said. The PML-N termed PTI’s denial about its demands were unconstitutional as “clearly over-stretched” and said there were hardly any similarities between the present and the 1977 political environments. It said in election 2013, all major political parties including PTI, had accepted the election results and their members had taken oath as MNAs and MPAs unlike the 1977 elections when there was a nation-wide boycott to provincial assembles soon after and a nation-wide movement launched demanding fresh elections.
“It is only recently that PTI and its smaller allies have started demanding resignation of the elected Prime Minister who is supported by all the other opposition parties, as reflected in the unanimous Resolutions recently passed by the National Assembly and Senate.” The PML-(N) response termed the PTI’s demands as coercive in nature by means of sit-ins in the sensitive Red Zone of Islamabad with threats to occupy important State buildings including the Parliament of Pakistan and Prime Minister’s House. The document said PTI’s charges of rigging had neither undermined the integrity of official results, nor had thrown the PML(N) mandate into doubt as vast majority of the people of Pakistan, international community, and both Houses of Parliament held the contrary view.
PML(N) stressed the need for electoral reforms and said it was reflected in the Prime Minister’s letters to the Speaker, National Assembly and the Chairman, Senate which led to the constitution of the Parliamentary Committee on Electoral Reforms (PCER). The party proposed establishment of Judicial Commission under special law as a mode and mechanism for addressing the “complaints”, contentious issues” and “grievances” of PTI. PML(N) said it had already proposed constitution of a Judicial Commission to investigate allegations of massive rigging in election 2013.
“PML(N) proposes to constitute the said JC through an Act of Parliament, after consensus with other political parties in both Houses, and not by Ordinance.” PML(N) proposed that Judicial Commission should comprise three Honourable (sitting) Judges of the Supreme Court of Pakistan and nominated by the Chief Justice of Pakistan. “PML(N) would be pleased if the Honourable Chief Justice decides to head the Commission personally.” About powers of Judicial Commission, the PML(N) said it will have all powers of a civil and criminal court under the Code of Civil Procedure Code, 1908 and Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898 respectively.
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk