General elections expected in the first week of November

[saadibaba]

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Raja Pervaiz Ashraf will announce the roadmap for the next general elections on August 14, 2012, sources said on Sunday.

Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) and Pakistan Muslim League- Nawaz (PML-N) held a meeting today to discuss the upcoming general elections.

The sources said that the general elections are expected in the first week of November, however, the prime minister will formally announce the road-map on August 14.

Seven-member team of the PML-N, which included Chaudhry Nisar, Raja Zafar-ul-Haq, Khawaja Asif, Ishaq Dar and Pervez Rasheed, and five-member team of the PPP, which included Khursheed Shah, Aitzaz Ahsan, Raza Rabbani, Farhatullah Babar and Jehangir Badar attended the meeting, the sources said.

It was agreed in the meeting that the prime minister, chief ministers, and other federal and state ministers in the care-taker set-up will be residents of Pakistan. The care-taker prime minister will neither be from the PPP or the PML-N, nor one who has been a member or leader of any other political party, the sources added.

Both the PML-N and the PPP, in consultation with other political parties, will also formulate code of conduct for the general election.

The meeting also decided that NAB references will not be filed against any political leader till the next elections.

The sources also said that the negotiations between the PML-N and the PPP on the care-taker setup were supported by few of the ally countries who wanted politics of reconciliation in the country.

Some media outlets reported that the names of two candidates are being discussed for the post of caretaker prime minister: Abdullah Hussain Haroon, currently Pakistan’s ambassador to the United Nations and Asma Jahangir, the former president of the Supreme Court Bar Association and former chairperson of the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP).

http://dawn.com/2012/07/15/pm-ashraf...map-on-aug-14/

[Mohsin]

The sources also said that the negotiations between the PML-N and the PPP on the care-taker setup were supported by few of the ally countries who wanted politics of reconciliation in the country.

Surprise surprise...nogotiations= you have this part of Pakistan and we'll have this part
'support of ally countries'= US, UK, Saudi etc want the status-quo to continue the policy of 'reconciliation' for the good of Pak....their own interests which the status-quo will contunew to push forward with blindly

Some media outlets reported that the names of two candidates are being discussed for the post of caretaker prime minister:...Asma Jahangir

Good God

[saadibaba]

So far the agreements listed above between PPP and PML-N and the nomination of Fakhru bhai as CEC, seem to be quite reasonable. Looks like we are moving in the right direction. Lets hope we have a free and fair election.

[saadibaba]

I really don't think either Asma Jehangir or Abdullah Haroon will be made care taker PM. Asma is highly unlikely.

[sarmadsl]

if Asma will be made ...there you might see some trouble in lawyers associations because now almost every Bar is against her ...interesting

[ahsan88]

^Agreed. Asma Jahangir sahiba has been giving out controversial statements these days.

[ahsan88]

Originally Posted by Mohsin Surprise surprise...nogotiations= you have this part of Pakistan and we'll have this part 'support of ally countries'= US, UK, Saudi etc want the status-quo to continue the policy of 'reconciliation' for the good of Pak....their own interests which the status-quo will contunew to push forward with blindly Good God

Just curious as to why you dislike Asma?

[Mohsin]

Originally Posted by ahsan88 Just curious as to why you dislike Asma?

Disagree with her views on the higher courts (showing no respect most of the time), her venom against the Army, and her 'extra-liberaal' approach she tries to take, to be frank.
She talks about how the Army is the reason for the terrorists roaming all over Pakistan, and then sitting with people like Bal Thakaray, before then going to make a speech about Human Rights.

Dont like her, and dont like her views. My personal stance.

[IAJ]

Originally Posted by ahsan88 Just curious as to why you dislike Asma?

Probably because of this?

[ahsan88]

Originally Posted by Mohsin Disagree with her views on the higher courts (showing no respect most of the time), her venom against the Army, and her 'extra-liberaal' approach she tries to take, to be frank. She talks about how the Army is the reason for the terrorists roaming all over Pakistan, and then sitting with people like Bal Thakaray, before then going to make a speech about Human Rights. Dont like her, and dont like her views. My personal stance.

She was at the forefront of the Lawyers Movement during the tin-pot dictator Musharraf's last years.

Her venom against the Army is justified at times, and yes if we look at the root cause of our internal-security problems, the problem is the Army and the decisions they took in the last 2 decades.

Ummm, let's employ PTI logic here and say that, "people have to interact with even those they don't agree with."

Thanks for the explanation. Respect your views.

[saadibaba]

If elections are going to be held in the first week of November than the current set up would be wrapped up pretty soon, likely soon after the Aug 14th formal announcement.

[Mohsin]

Sheikh Rasheed was with Dr Danish yesterday, he predicted Parliament will be dissolved after Eid...

Very interesting couple of months coming ahead of us one feels...

[saadibaba]

Yaar please, lets focus on elections and not make this into another Asma bashing thread. Like or dislike her, she is too controversial to be made care taker PM.

[Mohsin]

Oh and dont forget...Pakistan taareekh ka aik naazuk moor se guzar raha hai!

[Mohsin]

I personally would like to see someone like Dr AQ Khan made care-taker PM.....a unifying force of Pakistan with no political affiliation and whom the whole of Pakistan loves and respects...??

[ahsan88]

Apologies SB.

I still don't think elections will be held this year.

Completing a 5 year term would be the first for any democratic force in the country, and perhaps a major card to be used in the future for PPP.

Zardari saab wants to stay here till March.

[Mohsin]

Originally Posted by ahsan88 Apologies SB. I still don't think elections will be held this year. Completing a 5 year term would be the first for any democratic force in the country, and perhaps a major card to be used in the future for PPP. Zardari saab wants to stay here till March.

How so?
If so, the only cards were the 'Shaheed Card', which was the joker for them (both in terms of the Bhutto's as well as the dissolving of Parliament/Millitary Coups)....also the 'Sindh Card'....now IMO all these are lost, and i dont think theres any space at all for a 'we completed a full-term' card (in fact, if anything this works against them).

Something the opposition politicians and Generals couldnt do... has done to the PPP...

[ahsan88]

Originally Posted by Mohsin How so? If so, the only cards were the 'Shaheed Card', which was the joker for them (both in terms of the Bhutto's as well as the dissolving of Parliament/Millitary Coups)....also the 'Sindh Card'....now IMO all these are lost, and i dont think theres any space at all for a 'we completed a full-term' card (in fact, if anything this works against them). Something the opposition politicians and Generals couldnt do... has done to the PPP...

Wait till they do, even their most ardent critics will be appreciating how the PPP has survived an onslaught from all sides.

A major accomplishment is such a fragile set-up.

Plus, you might be surprised how (well) PPP does in the upcoming elections.

[saadibaba]

Originally Posted by Mohsin I personally would like to see someone like Dr AQ Khan made care-taker PM.....a unifying force of Pakistan with no political affiliation and whom the whole of Pakistan loves and respects...??

Isn't he an honorary member of PTI. Per the criteria given in the news report, The care-taker prime minister will neither be from the PPP or the PML-N, nor one who has been a member or leader of any other political party.

[KingKhanWC]

So PTI and IK will be in power by December. Time for another holiday to Pakistan me thinks.

[asifp]

PML-N and PPP probably met to decide who will win how many seats from where.

i wont be surprised if two things happen:

1. Ballot stuffing, well no shocker here
2. PPP and PML-N agree where not to stand against each other and then help the other party win that seat

[saadibaba]

I think its in the best interest of PPP and of course the country to hold elections soon. Things are going to get harder and tougher for them with every single day, with the SC breathing down their neck and with the economy, electricity and law and order situation getting worse. I see no electoral advantage for them going for an election in March vs. in Nov.

[saadibaba]

Originally Posted by asifp PML-N and PPP probably met to decide who will win how many seats from where. i wont be surprised if two things happen: 1. Ballot stuffing, well no shocker here 2. PPP and PML-N agree where not to stand against each other and then help the other party win that seat

Well, CEC is someone PTI agrees with. I am sure the care taker set up will be pretty neutral too. Don't be so sceptical. Both PPP and PML-N think they can win the majority and form the next gov. Not sure how they are going to compromise on that.

[Mohsin]

Originally Posted by saadibaba Isn't he an honorary member of PTI. Per the criteria given in the news report, The care-taker prime minister will neither be from the PPP or the PML-N, nor one who has been a member or leader of any other political party.

Dr AQ Khan isnt any kind of PTI member

Originally Posted by ahsan88 Wait till they do, even their most ardent critics will be appreciating how the PPP has survived an onslaught from all sides. A major accomplishment is such a fragile set-up. Plus, you might be surprised how (well) PPP does in the upcoming elections.

The only reason theyve survived is because of the circumstances they came into power. Army were/are in no position to overthrow them because of the unofficial war against Pakistan and the mess Musharraf left behind (otherwise, theyd have been able to come within 2 years and people would be sharing mithai at the occasion)

Also theyve had the support of all the parties, all with a piece of the pie (apart from PTI and JI of course). IMO even PPP couldnt mess things up, with the position they were in.

As for next elections, i dont see them doing well and i dont see any dort of rigging being able to help them either. PPP will probably struggle to even find candidates in Punjab (let alone get votes)...KPK ANP will be annihilated, Balochistan well who knows but PTI are picking up the pace. Sindh (as usual) PPP's only hope, but even there things arent all rosy and PTI are seriously picking up the pace.

[saadibaba]

Originally Posted by Mohsin Dr AQ Khan isnt any kind of PTI member .

Oh yeah, he is a patron of PTI (sarprast), which means his sympathies will be with PTI, making him biased.

[ahsan88]

Originally Posted by Mohsin Dr AQ Khan isnt any kind of PTI member The only reason theyve survived is because of the circumstances they came into power. Army were/are in no position to overthrow them because of the unofficial war against Pakistan and the mess Musharraf left behind (otherwise, theyd have been able to come within 2 years and people would be sharing mithai at the occasion) Also theyve had the support of all the parties, all with a piece of the pie (apart from PTI and JI of course). IMO even PPP couldnt mess things up, with the position they were in. As for next elections, i dont see them doing well and i dont see any dort of rigging being able to help them either. PPP will probably struggle to even find candidates in Punjab (let alone get votes)...KPK ANP will be annihilated, Balochistan well who knows but PTI are picking up the pace. Sindh (as usual) PPP's only hope, but even there things arent all rosy and PTI are seriously picking up the pace.

They only reason they have survived is because Z man has managed to throw a piece of the pie towards anyone who has posed him a challenge. No two opinions on that front. Like he says, "everybody has a price, even the fauj."

As a PPP Punjab member, i assure you they have enough people to contest elections from all constituencies in Punjab. Unless, they decide to field a joint candidate, as is the case with NA-52 where the Q guy is more well known.

Let's wait and watch. I see PTI getting a maximum of 40-50 seats.

[0tt0man]

PPP has very little to almost no representation in Punjab barring some areas in the south of the province. I still believe that whoever wins Punjab with a 2/3 (at most) majority will form the next federal govt.

Pmln and the PPP are rivals after all. And i hope they will reach a consensus solution on the formation of interim government which is acceptable to all. Just like they did with the appointment of the CEC.

Sent from my Defy using Tapatalk 2

[Markhor]

I don't know why but I just love election season. The build up, the media coverage, the fiery speeches, the opinion polls, the debates - its infectious.

However this election will be rigged, the electoral commission must be empowered to take firm action if irregularities occur.

[Mohsin]

Originally Posted by ahsan88 They only reason they have survived is because Z man has managed to throw a piece of the pie towards anyone who has posed him a challenge. No two opinions on that front. Like he says, "everybody has a price, even the fauj." As a PPP Punjab member, i assure you they have enough people to contest elections from all constituencies in Punjab. Unless, they decide to field a joint candidate, as is the case with NA-52 where the Q guy is more well known. Let's wait and watch. I see PTI getting a maximum of 40-50 seats.

I guarantee PPP wont be in power again at all (one way or another)....rig the elections all you want, but the people will make their voices heard once and for all.

These elections will be a turning point for Pakistan from the corrupt 2-faced status-quo...one way or another.

Also one quick question, for my interest...are you a pre or post Bhutto member?

[0tt0man]

LAHORE: Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) president Nawaz Sharif has directed for preparing party manifesto, Geo News reported. He has ordered to chalk out proposals for overcoming the challenges of load shedding, unemployment and inflation. Following the directions from the party chief, PML-N manifesto committee meeting has begun under the chair of Sartaj Aziz. Party’s political, economic, energy, social, cultural, education, health and law and order experts besides PML-LM’s Humayun Akhtar Khan are participating. The proposal draft called ‘national agenda’ was presented in the meeting for deliberations.

http://www.geo.tv/GeoDetail.aspx?ID=58947

Elections preparations have begun I see. Hopefully this Ramadan will be the last we'll ever be seeing of the PPP in power

[zaid65]

Originally Posted by saadibaba So far the agreements listed above between PPP and PML-N and the nomination of Fakhru bhai as CEC, seem to be quite reasonable. Looks like we are moving in the right direction. Lets hope we have a free and fair election.

If you would get a psychiatric evaluation Fakhro Bhai is suffering from Alzheimer Dementia.

The guy despite being honest, principled and done his job with integrity is too old and not emotional stable to do this job.

[zaid65]

Originally Posted by ahsan88 Apologies SB. I still don't think elections will be held this year. Completing a 5 year term would be the first for any democratic force in the country, and perhaps a major card to be used in the future for PPP. Zardari saab wants to stay here till March.

On the other hand, Zardari saheb knows, if he wont hold elections this year, there is a big chance, the whole system is going to be wrap up soon.

[PakPrince]

elections are not taking place before march next year

zardari will even put emergency into force to make iit sure

[saadibaba]

Originally Posted by zaid65 If you would get a psychiatric evaluation Fakhro Bhai is suffering from Alzheimer Dementia. The guy despite being honest, principled and done his job with integrity is too old and not emotional stable to do this job.

I totally agree with you. In fact I am surprised not many people are bringing this up. But you know how hard it is to reach a consensus in our country. It will be really hard to find a guy all 3 major parties agree on, so I guess better than fighting over the nomination and dragging the process, it's better they all agreed on someone, even though he is not the perfect candidate per the reasons you listed.

[zaid65]

Originally Posted by PakPrince elections are not taking place before march next year zardari will even put emergency into force to make iit sure

Zardari is a shrewd politician, he does not care if loose this elections, there is a big chance, he would come back later and dont forget, the Benazir card for the Bilawal Bhutto in coming years.

This nation owe one more chance to Bhutto family and Bilwal would cash his mother's death.

[LethalSami]

Originally Posted by saadibaba . Lets hope we have a free and fair election.

yEAH just like last time

where the bikao media was reporting free and fair elections along with all the cronies
while the Election Commission was reporting that 43% of the votes were FAKE

Dimocrraashiii ish de beest Revenge

[zaid65]

Originally Posted by saadibaba I totally agree with you. In fact I am surprised not many people are bringing this up. But you know how hard it is to reach a consensus in our country. It will be really hard to find a guy all 3 major parties agree on, so I guess better than fighting over the nomination and dragging the process, it's better they all agreed on someone, even though he is not the perfect candidate per the reasons you listed.

I dont think most people are even aware of this.

[LethalSami]

Originally Posted by zaid65 This nation owe one more chance to Bhutto family and Bilwal would cash his mother's death.

The nation owe em alright

Owe em to put their heads on guillotine and chop em off.

[waqar_ahmad]

PML-N denies holding talks with PPP on caretaker set-up


http://dawn.com/2012/07/16/pml-n-den...etaker-set-up/

[saeedhk]

Just want to get rid of Zardari and Co.

[the Great Khan]

i think their just gonna rig it..and we'll be here wondering why Imran only won a few seats!!

[Mohsin]

Originally Posted by the Great Khan i think their just gonna rig it..and we'll be here wondering why Imran only won a few seats!!

Then people will be bought out onto the streets...trust me, this will be a turning point for Pakistan.

One way of another, there will be change

[Looney]

Originally Posted by saadibaba I think its in the best interest of PPP and of course the country to hold elections soon. Things are going to get harder and tougher for them with every single day, with the SC breathing down their neck and with the economy, electricity and law and order situation getting worse. I see no electoral advantage for them going for an election in March vs. in Nov.

Agreed

[ahsan88]

Originally Posted by 0tt0man PPP has very little to almost no representation in Punjab barring some areas in the south of the province. I still believe that whoever wins Punjab with a 2/3 (at most) majority will form the next federal govt. Pmln and the PPP are rivals after all. And i hope they will reach a consensus solution on the formation of interim government which is acceptable to all. Just like they did with the appointment of the CEC. Sent from my Defy using Tapatalk 2

Huh??

Just the other day, rivals were gunning for each others head in NA-66 Sargodha to get the party ticket. PPP will have candidates/joint-candidates in all NA and Provincial Assembly constituencies.

Also, what makes you think anyone can win 2/3 of Punjab alone?

Originally Posted by Mohsin I guarantee PPP wont be in power again at all (one way or another)....rig the elections all you want, but the people will make their voices heard once and for all. These elections will be a turning point for Pakistan from the corrupt 2-faced status-quo...one way or another. Also one quick question, for my interest...are you a pre or post Bhutto member?

I wasn't born when Bhutto sb was in power.

Originally Posted by zaid65 On the other hand, Zardari saheb knows, if he wont hold elections this year, there is a big chance, the whole system is going to be wrap up soon.

Let's wait and watch.

[ahsan88]

An excellent piece on what we like to call the "bogus' votes.

http://www.newslinemagazine.com/2012...ters%E2%80%99/

[Markhor]

The era of the topsy-turvy lota voters

http://dawn.com/2012/07/17/the-era-o...y-lota-voters/

One election robbed the vote bank of one major political party and the next looted that of the other. By the third, however, both had gotten an opportunity to pick up the pieces. The comparison of voting trends in the past three elections (1997, 2002, 2008) offer an interesting peep into how the electorate in our country is awakening to elections, democracy and politics. The average jiyala was dejected and disappointed by its party when President Leghari made the always dwindling Sword of Damocles, aka Clause 58-2B, fall on the government in 1996. For once PPP wasn’t a martyr, it was a victim – of its on deeds. Its own President dismissed the government after the Prime Minister’s brother was killed by law enforcers of her own government. The party’s vote bank shrank phenomenally in 1997. Compared with its 1993 vote, PPP lost half of its vote bank in Punjab, Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan and a quarter in Sindh. Its tally of votes went tumbling down from a towering 7.6 to a humble 4.2 million. Where did those annoyed 3.4 million piplias go? Some actually may have stayed back home as the overall turnout in 1997 declined by a million too. But all of them certainly did not boycott and instead turned to other parties and candidates. PML-N, independents and smaller parties deposited close to a million new votes each to their accounts. So the voters changed their loyalties though the myth holds that come what may the PPP voter would never stamp a symbol but the arrow. Tables turned on PML-N in next elections. The party was in dire straits in 2002 with its cadre dispersed and leaders either co-opted or in jails, facing mostly corruption charges. Sharifs themselves were exiled to Saudi Arabia and kept incommunicado with the remaining party office bearers. Moreover, the Sharifs were now fallen idols, seen as cowardly mortals who could not stand up to the challenge and ditched their own party. The PML-N vote bank nose dived from a staggering 8.8 million in 1997 to a miserable 3.4 million. It lost 57 per cent of its 1997 vote in Punjab and the party’s 1.4 million votes in the other three provinces came crashing to 0.3 million. In terms of seats it was even worse. But despite the deadly blow dealt to the party by General Musharraf, that it managed to secure these many votes belies the myth that PML-N was a toy in the hands of the establishment with no loyal supporters. It might have been so when it was founded but PML-N did carve out its niche and now has a following in central Punjab. But loyalty was in short supply in 2002. Where did the 5.4 million voters that PML-N lost go? PPP did improve its tally but it perhaps could not benefit from the decimation of its arch rival as its vote failed to surpass the party’s 1993 tally. It seems that PPP only won back its old supporters and those who left PML-N preferred to support mainly the King’s parties, PML-Q and MMA as these were the two surprises of the 2002 election results. So, did the PML-N leaders turn lota or did its voters? That’s the chicken or the egg first kind of riddle. So in two consecutive elections a big chunk of erstwhile loyal party voters, from both the ends of the spectrum, savored infidelity and this perhaps wasn’t an unpleasant experience for them. The phenomenon of party loyalty lost its hold and became a secondary factor in electoral politics somewhere in mid-1990s. My hypothesis based on the above facts is that presently close to half of the electorate in our country is as yet predisposed in terms of who it will vote for including all the PPP, PML-N, MQM, JUI and ANP. But around half now have the decision pending till the elections are announced. That alone is a lot of voters by any standard and it makes the coming elections an open ended game. But if these voters do not tow the party lines, how do they decide who to vote for?

[Runner Up]

Dr. AQ Khan has recently established his political party. He wants to become a Prime Minister.

[ahsan88]

Bunny just narrowly won the by-elections in NA-151.

Turn out less than 40%.

Lesson learnt by the opposition.

[0tt0man]

Originally Posted by ahsan88 Bunny just narrowly won the by-elections in NA-151. Turn out less than 40%. Lesson learnt by the opposition.

His opponent was an independant candidate, wasn't he?

I'm amazed Bosan came so close. Just goes to show people are waking up and a change is just around the corner

[Faisalabad]

Originally Posted by 0tt0man His opponent was an independant candidate, wasn't he? I'm amazed Bosan came so close. Just goes to show people are waking up and a change is just around the corner

Dont think it shows people waking up..he has taken unified vote which would normally be divided amongst likes of pmln, q, pt or whatever.. sadly the ghaddi nasheens wont lose easily..they have enslaved people and brainwashed them for centuries... oh and ruling parties dont lose by-elections so no surprises..

[srh]

Originally Posted by Faisalabad Dont think it shows people waking up..he has taken unified vote which would normally be divided amongst likes of pmln, q, pt or whatever.. sadly the ghaddi nasheens wont lose easily..they have enslaved people and brainwashed them for centuries... oh and ruling parties dont lose by-elections so no surprises..

This. Even after taking votes from all the other opposition parties, the candidate still lost. PPP will easily win this seat in next general elections.

[ahsan88]

Originally Posted by 0tt0man His opponent was an independant candidate, wasn't he? I'm amazed Bosan came so close. Just goes to show people are waking up and a change is just around the corner

Kaghzi independant.

Yes, well done to Bosan for coming so close.

As always, it was PPP vs anti-PPP.

[ahsan88]

Originally Posted by Faisalabad Dont think it shows people waking up..he has taken unified vote which would normally be divided amongst likes of pmln, q, pt or whatever.. sadly the ghaddi nasheens wont lose easily..they have enslaved people and brainwashed them for centuries... oh and ruling parties dont lose by-elections so no surprises..

Yes, usually they don't.

Have ample time to dole out the goodies to secure their vote. ;)

[Faisalabad]

Originally Posted by srh This. Even after taking votes from all the other opposition parties, the candidate still lost. PPP will easily win this seat in next general elections.

But then again the turnout was around 50%.. i think the Gilanis will keep one seat in next elections and not 2...

oh and enough of ppp vs anti-ppp..these ghaddi nasheens will win with any party...their voters are slaves to them...end off.

[the Great Khan]

One must pick their battles wisely..

[youboy]

Akhri Faislly Ka Intzar Karo – Orya Maqbool Jan

[Areesh]

Things getting worst. First Raja rental as the PM now Asma Jahangir as the care taker PM.

Who wants to see her shouting hysterically on the care taker cabinet like she does in different TV programs.