Caretaker Information and Broadcasting Minister Arif Nizami on Monday said that power would be transferred to the new elected government by June 2.
Addressing a press conference with caretaker Law Minister Ahmer Bilal Soofi he said that the first phase of polling had been completed and most results had been announced. In the next phase, sessions of the assemblies would be held for oath taking. It would be a historic occasion for Pakistan, commemorating the first ever power transition from one civilian government to another.
He said that the May 11 elections were unique given the threatening circumstances and rumours of delay. However, the caretaker setup deserved credit for arranging free and fair elections. The media had also been a partner in this goal, he added.
He maintained that an estimated 60 percent voter turnout was a big improvement from approximately 44 percent in the 2008 elections and all credit belonged to the populace who thronged to the polling stations to vote.
“In an atmosphere with hostile non state actors adamant on sabotaging the elections by targeting certain political parties, such a high turnout was no mean feat”, said the minister.
He said that the masses exhibited unprecedented enthusiasm as victory rallies continued in some areas, adding that it was a positive sign that the major political parties triumphed at the centre and the provinces.
The minister held that pre and post elections violence was tragic, but it could not deter the democratic process. He termed those who lost their lives in elections violence as martyrs of democracy.
He conceded that there were some reports of delays in polling commencement and rigging at some stations which would be addressed by the election tribunals.
Nizami lauded the armed forces and law enforcement agencies’ admirable role in maintaining election security He added that the recommendations of foreign election observers will be incorporated in future election planning.
Law Minister Ahmer Bilal Soofi said that the caretaker government had completed their task with flying colours.
