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Published 28 Jan, 2008 12:00am

Political parties urged to boycott elections

TAXILA, Jan 27: Secretary general Jamaat-i-Islami (JI) Syed Munawar Hassan said here on Sunday that a plan was ready to rig the upcoming elections and the parliament elected through these elections would not be a representative body of the people.

Speaking at a press conference, he said the JI was committed to its decision of boycotting the elections as the party wanted supremacy of the constitution and prevalence of people’s will and not a share in power devoid of legitimacy.

He alleged that the Election Commission, caretaker government, polling staff and voter rolls would be used in getting the election results that would strengthen President Musharraf.

Mr Hassan asked the political parties, which were threatening mass agitation in case of rigged elections, to boycott the polls and join the APDM’s struggle to get rid of Musharraf and restore constitution and democracy.

He said Benazir Bhutto was assassinated by the forces that were trying to prolong the dictatorship of President Musharraf and alleged that the situation in tribal areas, Balochistan and Swat were being worsened by the secret agencies to implement the president’s agenda.

The JI leader demanded for resignation of the president as, he said, he had failed to meet flour, electricity and gas crises and maintain law and order in the country.

“People are looking for flour, gas and electricity, while the rulers are strengthening their ties with the US that is least bothered with the prevailing situation in the country,” he added.

The JI leader condemned military operation in Sawat and tribal areas. “The situation in the country was deteriorating with each passing day and the nation was losing hope which was not a good omen for the federation,” Mr Hassan said, adding that the rulers responsible for the situation should leave the government and allow a room for the representatives of the people to solve the problems being faced by the country.

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