The recent Pakistan elections continue to reverberate in the Senate, with accusations of rigging and demands for action against the Election Commission dominating Tuesday’s session. Here’s a breakdown of the key points:
Opposition Outcry:
- Tahir Bizenjo: Denounced the elections as “stolen,” calling for the arrest of CEC Raja for violating the Constitution. He questioned the judiciary’s role in taking away PTI’s symbol and warned of continued unrest if elected representatives are denied their right to rule.
- Mushtaq Ahmed: Demanded the CEC’s trial for treason, alleging failure to uphold constitutional duties and facilitating rigging. He called for the CEC’s resignation and a thorough investigation by a high-powered commission.
- Syed Ali Zafar: Warned of anarchy and unrest if “those with the mandate” are excluded from power. He criticized the removal of PTI’s symbol and called for a forensic audit of election forms.
- Saifullah Abro: Demanded a forensic audit of Forms 45 to uncover any manipulation.
Defending the Process:
- Irfanul Haq Siddiqui: Refuted claims of rigging in the 2023 elections, suggesting similar accusations were made in 2018. He urged the PTI to use legal channels to address grievances and participate in opposition politics.
Unity Government Proposal:
- Mushahid Hussain Syed: Advocated for a “unity government” comprising PPP, PML-N, and PTI. He warned that inaction could lead to military intervention. He suggested offering the premiership to PPP with Sharif as head of state, acknowledging PTI’s performance despite the split mandate.
- Umer Farooq: Questioned the “stolen mandate” narrative, suggesting broader systemic issues at play. He expressed concern about the influence of non-political actors on the country’s governance.
Additional Demands:
- Release of political prisoners: Senator Syed demanded the release of Imran Khan and missing persons as a gesture of healing.
The Senate session highlighted deep divisions and discontent over the election results. While the opposition demands action against the CEC and investigations into alleged rigging, some advocate for a unity government to address the fractured mandate. The call for releasing political prisoners further underscores the desire for reconciliation and a return to normalcy.
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