BADIN: Pakistan Peoples’ Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has reiterated his demand for general elections within the constitutionally mandated 90-day period. This comes after his father, former president Asif Ali Zardari, expressed support for the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) regarding delimitation issues.
During a media interaction in various areas of Sindh, the former foreign minister emphasized that the election schedule has not yet been announced. He recalled that during the Chief Election Commissioner’s meeting last month, there was a consensus that the elections should be conducted within the 90-day constitutional timeframe.
When asked about Asif Ali Zardari’s statement supporting the ECP on delimitation, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari explained that he is bound by his father’s decisions in family matters but adheres to the party’s Central Executive Committee’s (CEC) decisions in political and constitutional matters. He asked journalists to seek clarification from Asif Ali Zardari regarding his statement.
Among the parties in the Pakistan Democratic Movement-led erstwhile ruling coalition, the PPP has been the most vocal in demanding general elections within the constitutionally mandated timeframe.
Bilawal mentioned that the next CEC meeting would be held in Lahore, and if anyone has a different opinion, they should present it at the CEC meeting.
“اس وقت ایک عام پاکستانی اس پریشانی میں ہے کہ وہ اپنے خاندان کیلئے کھانے کا بندوست کیسے کرے؟ بچوں کو اسکول کیسے بھیجے؟ اپنے بزرگوں کا علاج کیسے کروائے؟ میں پاکستان کے عوام کو پیغام دینا چاہتا ہوں کہ پاکستان پیپلز پارٹی ہی وہ جماعت ہے جس کا منشور آپ کے مسائل کا حل ہے۔”
چیئرمین… pic.twitter.com/UBxh29PeoE
— PPP (@MediaCellPPP) September 9, 2023
Bilawal Bhutto Says CEC Decision is Binding
He highlighted that there were discussions on two opinions during the previous CEC meeting, but all members agreed that elections should occur within 90 days as stipulated by the constitution. Decisions made by the CEC are binding, and the next CEC meeting will take place in Lahore, where any differing opinions can be discussed.
Bilawal noted the warm reception the PPP has received in various regions, indicating that the people are aligned with the PPP in local body elections.
He emphasized the current hardships faced by the people due to the deteriorating economic situation, such as difficulties in paying children’s school fees and managing electricity bills. Bilawal stated that the PPP’s manifesto addresses these issues and that the party has consistently tackled economic crises during its time in power.
He expressed confidence in the PPP’s readiness for the upcoming elections and its ability to address national issues with experienced leadership. Bilawal called for support for the PPP and stressed the importance of young leadership, stating that the party is capable of providing solutions instead of engaging in blame games.
Bilawal Bhutto emphasized that only elected representatives, not a caretaker government, can effectively address people’s problems. He added that there is no objection to a caretaker government as long as it fulfills its duties but cautioned against it becoming a “chair-taker.”
