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| October 3, 2005 | Monday | Sha’aban 28, 1426 |
Old tactics to win polls again in evidence
RAWALPINDI, Oct 2: The government camp on Sunday claimed major changes in the standings of candidates in the election of the Rawalpindi city district nazim and Rawal Town nazim to be held on October 6.
Some “unprecedented initiatives” by the administration, like the use of police influence, government employees and buying of votes or other temptations, were said to be behind the claims. Incentives and intimidations were allegedly decided upon after a ploy of announcing massive development packages to the tune of billions of rupees failed to woo the voters.
Political sources said the use of police appeared to be more or less limited to urban areas, the power base of a federal minister from Rawalpindi.
Station house officers (SHOs) of Pirwadhai, Sadiqabad, Waris Khan, Ganjmandi and Banni police stations, have been given the task to somehow manipulate the winning votes for the government candidates in the Rawal Town contest, the sources alleged.
Police officers who dissented were transferred, the sources said.
Councillors, nazims and naib nazims of dubious character and/or businesses were allegedly being approached by the police to announce their support for the government candidates or else risk arrest.
A nazim from Sadiqabad having cases related to cars and property was made to swear allegiance to Information Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed in the presence of a SHO, the sources said.
Sheikh Rashid vehemently denies this, but did confirm on Friday that the nazim, previously not affiliated to him, was coming to meet him for Dua — a practice prevalent in local politics to assure someone of your support.
In yet another incident, the local police asked a minorities councillor to switch his loyalties to the government candidates. When he refused, the area SHO deputed some policemen to remain at his home till the unyielding councillor budged.
Deputy Inspector-General Police, Rawalpindi Range, Syed Moravat Shah rejected the allegation but did not rule out “personal involvement” of some officers.
Health and revenue departments were also allegedly being misused. There were reports that lady health workers (LHWs) were canvassing for government-backed nominees. The huge LHW network was said to be an effective way of reaching to women councillors particularly in far off rural areas.
District Health Officer Dr Shoaib Khan denied what he called “the official involvement” of LHWs and added that he too cannot rule out their personal commitment with some particular candidate.
The use of tehsildars and patwaris of revenue department to win support for government candidates is nothing new.
Money was also allegedly being used to buy votes. Conservative estimates by political observers suggest that some 15-22 per cent votes are up for sale. Those offering their votes for sale are women and minorities councillors.
This trade is more prevalent in Rawal and Murree Towns. In Murree Town a single vote is available for a minimum of Rs700,000.
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