The Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) on Monday accused the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) of horse trading in the upcoming local bodies’ polls by supporting independent candidates in Sindh.
The PPP alleged that the PML-N was trying to strengthen its foothold in Sindh, adding that the PML-N is supporting those who want to contest elections independently. The party claimed that the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) would have to print more ballot papers if the willing candidates decide to contest polls independently.
On the other hand, the PML-N rejected the allegations and said they had supported party-based elections in Sindh and independent candidates would be free to join any political party after winning the polls.
“PML-N wants to strengthen its roots in Sindh and this is the only reason that it is supporting the independent candidates in coming LG polls despite the fact that the work of ECP would be increased to cover each and every independent candidate,” PPP Sindh General Secretary Taj Haider said.
“As far as Sindh is concerned, PML-N is following the policy of horse trading and intended to buy those independent candidates who would win the LG polls to make it base in the province,” he accused.
“The election commission would need much resources for printing of ballot papers for independent candidates in micro-level elections in the province,” he claimed, adding that “To minimize confusion, the party has decided to field its panel in the elections instead of candidates and those who want to contest LG polls on PPP ticket have been advised to induct their names in the panel.”
“PPP has decided that the symbol of the panel would be arrow,” he maintained.
“There should be a separate panel for independent candidates and they can devise their symbol after mutual understanding,” he suggested, elaborated that “It would not only reduce the burden of ECP but would also help the voters in searching their candidates.”
PML-N Karachi President Nehal Hashmi said they had supported the party-based LG polls in Sindh.
“If a candidate wants to join the PML-N after winning the election then it is his right,” he clarified. “As far as horse trading is concerned, PML-N Sindh leadership has not received any instructions from central leadership in this regard as yet,” he added.
