The Pakistani ruling party yesterday celebrated the massive election victory of finance minister Shaukat Aziz, now poised to take over as prime minister in the coming days, while the opposition renewed allegations that the by-elections were rigged.

According to an unofficial tally, Aziz polled 76,161 votes against 29,443 cast in favour of the Alliance for Restoration of Democracy (ARD) candidate Dr. Sikander Hayat in Attock constituency in central Punjab province, winning by a margin of more than 46,000 votes.

In the other by-election in Tharparkar in southern Sindh province, the prime minister-in-waiting polled 152,102 votes against 10,732 of ARD candidate Dr Mahesh Kumar Malini – a margin of over 141,000.

The voter turnout in Attock was estimated at around 45 per cent while in Tharparkar 65.02 per cent of the registered voters exercised their franchise, well over the percentage in the 2002 elections in this constituency.

Aziz will take oath as member of the National Assembly after the notification of the official results by the Election Commission after which the National Assembly will meet to endorse him as prime minister.

Prime Minister Shujaat Hussain, who is to step down, addressed a large gathering in Attock constituency yesterday, thanking the electorate for reposing confidence in the policies of the Pakistan Muslim League-led coalition government.

Shujaat announced that the incoming prime minister would retain his seat from Attock and relinquish the other.

Meanwhile, Aziz has started consultations to form his cabinet, which he would announce after being sworn in as prime minister by August 25. He held a meeting with Shujaat, who will continue to head the Pakistan Muslim League, and is expected to meet President Musharraf soon.

Information Minister Shaikh Rashid Ahmad said, dismissing opposition allegations, said the by-elections were fair, free and transparent.

In a statement, Aziz reiterated his resolve to further accelerate the agenda of economic development for the welfare of the masses.

"It is our pledge that under the prudent policies of President Musharraf and under the leadership of PML president Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain we will make all efforts and utilise our abilities to make Pakistan a modern, progressive and enlightened Islamic welfare state," he said.