March 24, 2002	Sunday	Muharram 9, 1423

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ISLAMABAD, March 23: A Pakistan Muslim League spokesman on Saturday asked Chief Election Commissioner Irshad Hasan Khan to rise to the occasion and check pre-poll rigging being committed by the Musharraf regime in collusion with its supporting group.

The spokesman said that the threat by the CEC that he would resign if pressured would make no difference if he did so after the military junta achieved its objectives.

In his comment on a statement by CEC, the spokesman alleged that some political favourites were being given considerable time on official electronic media, despite assertion of the CEC that even coverage to all political parties would be ensured.

He said that the use of electronic media to build the image of the favourites and holding conventions with the financial and political support of the local bodies came in the context of pre-poll rigging.

The spokesman said the delimitation of constituencies by the National Reconstruction Bureau in exclusive consultation with the like-minded group and preparation of electoral rolls by the National Database and Registration Authority under the control of the interior ministry was pre-poll rigging. He said the CEC should take notice of it.

He asked the CEC to take immediate steps for checking pre-poll rigging as per satisfaction of genuine political parties or submit his resignation rather than quitting his office after the Musharraf junta realised its designs.

RESIGNATION DEMANDED: Pakistan Muslim League (N) has demanded Gen Pervez Musharraf resignation after his confession that his government had failed to improve the standard of living of the common man during his 30 month rule.

Commenting on Gen Musharraf’s address to the nation on Saturday, PML secretary information Siddiqul Farooq said: “His (Musharraf’s) speech was nothing but playing with words. It lacked in sincerity and conviction, and reflected a sense of guilt, and failure was writ large on is face.

He said the people can’t be befouled by general’s argument that he needed more time to implement his development and economic recovery plan.

He said all the civilian governments in the last 10 years were sent home by the establishment within 20 to 30 months under the pretext that their performance fell short of expectations.

He said Musharraf government had failed completely despite unlimited and unhindered power coupled with full cooperation of the agencies.

Siddiq said that no more time could be given to an incompetent and inefficient government whose rule had been disastrous for the economy, law and order, and the sovereignty of the nation.

He said having admitted his failure, he should steps down.

The PML leader also said October elections should be held according to the the constitution and the consensus formula should be evolved in consultation with all parties and genuine leaders of the people.