The PML-N and the PPP continue their war of words on the eve of Muzaffarabad elections, with both parties engaging in a heated exchange over allegations of rigging. The ongoing elections in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) have sparked renewed tensions between the two coalitions.
In Mirpur division, where the PML-N emerged as the winner in the recent polls, senior leader Rana Sanaullah accused the PPP of rigging in the election process. He claimed that if the prime minister’s votes were secured under Form-47, then on what forms had President Asif Ali Zardari gotten votes?
Sanaullah also took a jibe at Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, saying: “If someone is sitting on the PM’s seat or someone sits on the CM’s position today, even a child knows that it is not because of the people’s votes or your performance but because of Form-47.” He also referred to PPP founder Zulfikar Ali Bhutto as the president who became the prime minister after the 1971 coup.
In response, PML-N senior leader Rana Sanaullah remarked on President Asif Ali Zardari’s role in the election process. “If you call the votes secured by the PM votes of Forms-47, then on what forms has the president gotten votes?” he said.
The exchange highlights the ongoing tensions between the two coalitions and their differing views on the electoral process. The PML-N has been critical of the PPP’s governance in Sindh, accusing them of lacking performance. Meanwhile, the PPP has accused the PML-N of rigging in Mirpur division.
As the second phase of AJK elections is set to be held tomorrow in nine constituencies of Muzaffarabad division and the third phase scheduled for August 10 in all 12 refugee constituencies, both parties continue their rhetoric. The outcome of these elections will have significant implications for the country’s politics.
Source: Dawn
Based on reporting from Dawn.
