Elections in the times of despair

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Former Ambassador of Pakistan and a political analyst B.A. Malik said on Wednesday that free, fair and transparent elections after the completion of the five-year term of the government and the peaceful transfer of power was a prerequisite to change the destiny of Pakistan and its people.
“If we want to change the destiny of Pakistan and ensure the welfare of people and improve the global image of the country, then we must conduct free, fair and transparent elections and a peaceful transfer of power to the wining party in the elections”, Malik said while talking to agencies. Malik called upon all political parties to come forward and play an active role in holding free, fair and transparent elections. He also appreciated the political parties and the government for reaching a consensus on electing the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Fakharuddin G. Ibrahim.
The former ambassador said that holding of free, fair and impartial elections were not only the responsibility of the present government but it was also the responsibility of all the political parties to play their part in this regard.
He also called for a good working relationship between the national institutions for the promotion of democracy in the country.
Malik also lauded the vision of President Asif Ali Zardari for giving a positive direction to the democratic process in the country, while adding that as a result the present government was successfully completing its five years term.
He also welcomed the process of dialogue between India and Pakistan for the resolution of their disputes and promotion of trade, adding that this would help achieve regional peace and prosperity. B.A Malik said that the incumbent Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) led government had achieved a number of successes on the foreign front during the past four years, including the agreement on the Iran-Pakistan (IP) gas pipeline project.