Karachi, August 26, 2023 (PPI-OT): “Systematic pre-poll rigging continues unabated and with impunity by manipulating population figures backwards through the officials of the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics”, said Senator Taj Haider in charge PPP Central Election Cell in a press statement today.
There is method to this madness. In the first phase of pre-poll rigging large chunks of population in PPP, strongholds were not counted at all thus drastically reducing the overall population of at least three provinces. In the second phase, the dates of counting were selectively extended giving clear advantage to those who have always remained against the Pakistan People’s Party.
Senator Taj Haider said that the so-called ‘digital counting’ was closed on midnight of 22nd May and the online population and Sindh and other provinces through screen shots obtained household count figures. Later started the pre-poll rigging third phase of cutting these figures down when reduced figures of population and households were given in envelopes to the participants of the ‘CCI’ meeting. In response to protests on reduction in population and household numbers from all corners, the ‘CCI’ meeting was told that this had been done in order not to alter the existing number of NA seats in provinces and to avoid the needed constitutional amendment in Article 51 (3), which was not possible in the present situation.
Participants of ‘CCI’ meeting demanded district wise population figures. They were told that the figures were ready and would be distributed during the meeting. The district population figures were put on the website ‘after a week’ after further gross reductions of population and of average family sizes in rural areas which remain PPP stronghold.
Senator Taj Haider said in the present phase of pre-poll rigging, block populations and household figures have not been made public and are being manipulated to accommodate the major right wing political party, which is proposing extension in the constitutional election date in order to enhance its dwindling chances, by manipulating delimitation of constituencies within the provinces.
If the number of NA seats allotted to provinces remained unchanged fresh delimitation was not required under the constitutional provisions. The Election Commission of Pakistan under the Election Act could hear appeals against delimitations, if any. As such ECP could easily hold the next general elections within the constitutionally mandated time frame, especially when the ECP had been provided an extra 30 days through dissolution of assemblies a few days ahead of the mandated time.
Senator Taj Haider demanded immediate release of population and household figures of all population blocks in the country and advised the manipulators to stop being over smart. They should realise that they were indulging in criminal activities, which shall not go unchallenged.
For more information, contact:
PPP Media Cell (Sindh)
Pakistan People’s Party (PPP)
Peoples Secretariat Shikarpur Colony,
Behind Mazar-e-Quaid-e-Azam, Karachi, Pakistan
Cell: +92-305-3370383
Email: contact@ppp-tu.com
Website: https://www.ppp.org.pk