Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Ashfaq Pervez Kayani has said the masses had the right to elect their leaders through ballot and result of general election would be accepted with an open heart.
“I advocate free and transparent elections now along with peaceful transition of power.”
In a candid conversation with senior journalists, General Kayani said the army was desirous for free and fair election and was hopeful that the dream would become a reality soon.
He said during the past five years, the army had fully supported the democratic process in accordance with the constitutional aspects and even today, he supported transparent elections and peaceful transfer of power.
Kayani said though some people were expressing suspicion over role of the army, but its good intentions were in front of everyone and it proved aims through its practical work.
Gen Kayani refuted all such suspicions making rounds in media that the army was supporting any party or wanted to set up a long-term technocrat government.
The chief of army staff said a free, fair and transparent election in the country was a dream, adding that he was delighted that it would soon be fulfilled. He said his intentions should be gauged not from his statements but from his actions and from the facts on ground.
The army chief hoped that free and fair elections would take place in every part of the country, including Balochistan. He said in 2008 elections, the intervention was blocked and he aimed the same even today as well.
Gen Kayani assured the chief election commissioner of complete military support and cooperation and said the people had the right and power to choose their representatives.
He said election results would be welcomed with an open heart, as the army had nothing to do with people’s choice. He added that it was military’s constitutional responsibility to support an elected government.
General Kayani said since he took the chair of his office, he had tried his best to ensure that the election process should not be interfered.
“I always supported the democratic process according to the words and spirit of the constitution,” he added.