ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Wednesday scrutinised and approved the nomination papers of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) legislator Dr Arif Alvi, Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) candidate Aitzaz Ahsan and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rahman for the upcoming presidential election, a private TV channel reported.
Chief Election Commissioner Justice (r) Sardar Raza Khan scrutinised the nomination papers after the three presidential candidates appeared before the commission along with their proposers and seconders.
The opposition remains divided over fielding a consensus candidate for the post as PPP has decided not to withdraw its nominee.
“Today my nomination papers have been accepted for the upcoming presidential elections,” Ahsan said, while speaking to media in Islamabad. Terming the presidential election as a ‘vote of conscience’, the senior PPP leader said some PTI and JUI-F members may also support him on September 4. “This is a secret vote, not a party vote,” he added.
Referring to the earlier stalemate in deciding a joint candidate, Ahsan lamented that the opposition will be at a disadvantage. While commenting on Pervez Rasheed’s statement, Ahsan said, “I respect Pervez Rasheed, but I was surprised by his statement. There could have been some flexibility shown on our part … but it is impossible after Rasheed’s statement.”
He also rejected the claims of horse-trading and expressed the hope that lawmakers will choose the ‘right’ candidate to represent the nation.
Addressing media after his nomination papers were accepted, PTI’s Arif Alvi confidently claimed that he will emerge victorious by a ‘large margin’.
The presidential elections are scheduled for September 4. However, the new president will assume charge on September 8.
Published in Daily Times, August 30th 2018.
