December 04, 2007	Tuesday	Ziqa'ad 23, 1428

QUETTA, Dec 3: Balochistan caretaker Chief Minister Sardar Saleh Mohammad Bhootani said on Monday that no one would be allowed to interfere in the election process.

Addressing a news conference, he said that all political parties should take part in the election.

He said that no military operation was under way in any part of Balochistan, but the government would take action if anyone tried to disturb law and order.

The chief minister said that at a recent meeting in Islamabad, President Pervez Musharraf had instructed the authorities to focus on maintenance of law and order and maintain the process of development.

Mr Bhootani expressed the hope that the election process would be completed in a spirit of mutual understanding and said he would contact leaders of political parties and tribal elders.

The chief minister denied reports suggesting that a list of 36 candidates had been prepared by some agencies or a political group to ensure their victory by all means. He said President Musharraf had strictly directed that there should no rigging in the polls.

He said one should not be worried about what he called minor incidents of sabotage in the province. He claimed that the law and order situation in Balochistan was far better than in other provinces.