Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader and former Speaker of the National Assembly, Asad Qaiser, expressed apprehensions about the upcoming elections, characterizing the process as a “selection plus” rather than a fair election. Qaiser raised concerns about the alleged removal of his party’s candidates by disqualifying them during the nomination process.
In his statement, Qaiser highlighted reports of candidate disqualifications and the purported stripping of nomination papers from their candidates. He asserted that these actions amount to more than election irregularities, framing them as an orchestrated effort to influence the electoral landscape. Qaiser emphasized the party’s commitment to contesting elections freely, stating that it is their legal right to participate in the electoral process without undue interference.
This statement comes in the wake of Asad Qaiser’s recent release from Mardan Jail, where he was detained under the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) for three days. The timing of his release and subsequent commentary on the electoral process indicates a deepening political discourse surrounding the upcoming elections.
The “selection plus” claim implies that the electoral process is marred by interventions that go beyond conventional political competition. Such allegations raise concerns about the integrity of the electoral process and the extent to which political parties are allowed to participate freely.
As the election season unfolds, the remarks by Asad Qaiser contribute to the broader conversation about the transparency and fairness of the electoral process in Pakistan. The government and election authorities may face increased scrutiny to address these concerns, ensuring a level playing field for all political actors and fostering public confidence in the democratic process.
