December 27, 2007	Thursday	Zilhaj 16, 1428

KHAR, Dec 26: Syed Akhunzada Chatan, a candidate for NA-44 in Bajaur Agency, has urged the government to allow commentators and media personnel into the tribal agency to monitor polls on Jan 8.

Addressing a press conference here on Wednesday, Mr Chatan said the government and Election Commission should immediately take notice of code of conduct violations.

He asked political authorities to stop utilising development funds of a former lawmaker and ban approval of development schemes in the tribal constituency during election campaign.

He said the solution to crises confronting the country, particularly the tribal areas, was in holding fair and transparent elections. He alleged that former lawmaker Shahabuddin Khan was distributing hand-pumps, power transformers, electricity poles and money among people to win their support. He said that he had complained to the political administration and election authorities about the situation.

He warned that if authorities did not take immediate action against the illegal activities, his supporters would launch a protest movement.

To a question, he said the law and order situation had improved in the area and the contesting candidates were not facing problems in running their campaigns.