The Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) has publicly rejected the government’s “one-sided” electoral reforms, which incorporates the adoption of electronic voting machines (EVMs), and declared a fresh tide of anti-government protests.
“PDM rejects the government’s unilateral electoral reforms ordinance, including the voting machines, and terms it as pre-poll rigging,” PDM chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman stated, as he spoke in a press interview alongside PDM leaders.
On the said matter, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP)— which is accountable for conducting honest elections — should call an assemblage of all legislative parties to take a collective decision on reforms, he said. The PDM chief informed that PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif, BNP-M chief Akhtar Mengal, attended the alliance’s conference by video, while other Opposition party leaders were present in person.
Read more: Shehbaz Sharif rejects PM’s proposal to use e-voting machines in next election
Moreover, the meeting described EVMs as a means of pre-poll rigging, said the JUI-F chief, adding that the opposition party has also rejected the presidential law issued in this connection.
Furthermore, Fazl demanded of the government on account of PDM parties to request a collective session of parliament, in which officials regarded the legislators of Pakistan concerning the improvements in Afghanistan and reports that Pakistan was allowing the US to use its military bases.
On further speculations PDM was intending to boycott the imminent budget session in parliament, Fazl stated no decision in this regard has been taken thus far. However, he added that Shehbaz being the head of the opposition in the National Assembly will conduct a seminar of all opposition parties on the subject.
