World | Pakistan
Musharraf link may hurt PML-Q in elections
A decline in President Pervez Musharraf's popularity may hit the Pakistan Muslim League (PML-Q) hard in the general elections as people hold them responsible for the present turmoil in the country.
- By Aftab Kazmi, Bureau Chief
- Published: 00:32 February 16, 2008
Islamabad: A decline in President Pervez Musharraf's popularity may hit the Pakistan Muslim League (PML-Q) hard in the general elections as people hold them responsible for the present turmoil in the country.
High inflation, the flour crisis and the law and order situation have been forming public opinion. Talking to Gulf News yesterday many people said they hoped for change.
With just two days left to the poll, three main parties are engaged in an all out tug-of-war in the country's most populated Punjab province.
Though President Musharraf has been showing his impartiality, the general public are viewing him as the main supporter of the Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi led PML-Q. "It will indeed serve as a disadvantage for the PML-Q," said Mushtaq Qureshi.
He said voters are largely split in different political parties but most of them are against the PML-Q and Musharraf polices.
Violence is the main concern of voters but many of them are determined to use their right of franchise for change.
"Well, I'll use my vote but I'm not sure the elections will be fair, said Mohammad Ejaz, a resident of Rawalpindi city.
Balqees Khanum, a female activist, said people must vote as a boycott is not in the favour Pakistan's future. "I think a solid public participation in the elections will deter PML-Q from regaining power," she said.
Impartial
The All Parties Democratic Movement (APDMA) has been active in a bid to convince people to boycott the elections, saying the polls cannot be impartial and fair in the presence of Musharraf.
The city administration of Rawalpindi also foiled the APDMA's recent attempt to organise a public meeting at the city's main political arena - the historic Liaquat Bagh.
The APDMA, an alliance of hard-line anti-Musharraf parties including Jamaat-e-Islami, announced a door-to-door campaign to encourage voters to boycott the elections.
The government has declared public meetings and rallies at the Bagh a security risk after the assassination of Benazir Bhutto.
Shaikh Rashid Ahmad, a former federal minister and a main candidate of the PML-Q, was also denied the right to hold a public meeting at Liaquat Bahgh, which is located in one of his own constituencies.
Ahmad later changed the venue and addressed to a public meeting at Lal Haveli, his residence in downtown Rawalpindi, on Thursday night.
Ahmad, who has retained his seat since 1988, has been involved in a tough fight with the candidates of PML-N and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP).
"A win is a really tough task for Shaikh Rashid this time since his voters are split in the two factions of the Muslim Leagues and the PPP vote bank may increase due to the assassination of Bhutto," said another citizen Abdul Jabbar.
Share this article
News Editor's choice
-
Secret Service admits failure over White House-crashers
May pursue criminal investigation against salahis
-
Aquino, running mate file certificates of candidacy
Number of showbusiness glitterati show support for Cory's son
-
Polanski chalet secured for sentence
Court order specifies monitoring bracelet to be worn by sex offender
