E-Paper | October 11, 2026

MQM boycotts NA-250 re-polls

Dawn.com Published
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KARACHI: The Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) has announced that it will boycott the re-poll in NA-250, DawnNews reported.

In a press conference held on Friday evening, MQM’s senior leader Raza Haroon said that efforts were made to snatch the party’s mandate in Karachi.

The press conference was held following an emergency meeting of MQM’s coordination committee in Karachi and London.

Haroon alleged that it was a conspiracy to reject MQM’s application regarding re-polling in entire Karachi.

He further said that the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) should have thought of the well being of the masses.

The ECP on Friday rejected the MQM petition which sought re-polling in the entire NA-250 constituency of Karachi.

The ECP declared that re-polling would only be held in 43 polling stations in Karachi’s NA-250.

Moreover, it was decide that military personnel would be deployed both inside and outside the polling stations during re-polling.

Of the 180 polling stations in NA-250, polling was not held or delayed at 43 stations on May 11.

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Jamshed Khan
May 18, 2013 08:24am
ECP should now focus on the few 'bad apple' polling stations and provide full security and transparency to ensure that these polls are cleaned up.
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Citizen
May 19, 2013 09:07am
Well said. PTI just does not want a rematch on the last 10 overs. It wants its own umpire as well.
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zia khan
May 18, 2013 01:10am
MQM on the run
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Kalimullah
May 19, 2013 10:27am
Every body knows in this setup who will win, then why making election drama?, just declare the winner as per setup.
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javed jamil
May 18, 2013 01:15am
Very Foolish idea to boycott NA-250 polls. Who will be the looser?.
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Janbaz
May 18, 2013 08:45am
Like the last moment as they give their supporter astonishing news to end boycot the polling.These turn coats have destroyed the peace of whole karachi.And it is imminent and expectation that for the power and with out power they can not survive and embrace the loving arms of nawaz leage again.some give and take the chunk of the treasury for the so called exile leader.
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Kalimullah
May 19, 2013 10:35am
What about other areas of Pakistan?
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Kalimullah
May 19, 2013 10:37am
With an unjustified reasons
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Kalimullah
May 19, 2013 10:31am
I am living in Karachi and i know the vote bank of MQM. don't just seat around and read here and there and made comments. I am not a MQM supporter and that is why i vote an Independent person but i know that we can't win MQM in fair election.
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Shahpur
May 18, 2013 11:34pm
Pakistani politics is now essentially a gang war, Let us see if therer is any rule of law now.
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saeed Ghani
May 18, 2013 02:01am
MQM wrong decision never boycott in worse condition learn lesson from previous boycott.
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SK
May 18, 2013 08:30am
PTI should give one valid reason why a wider canvas of the whole constituency would not ensure a more transparent process than a few selected ones faboring a single party. ECP has obviously wrapped itself around its feet by this illogical decision.
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Nadir Shah
May 18, 2013 07:19am
By the boycott, I boycott MQM. I have been the silent supporter of Altaf Hussain Bhai but I have observed MQM peroformance in last tenure of 5 years about which I would say "BYE MQM". Cannot spare more time to stand and telling lies. I am upset upset upset ! Sorry Bhai log may haar gaya.
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KHAN
May 18, 2013 12:54pm
When you are 100 % sure that you are going to loose,it is the best decision.But it is not fair that elections are being held only in held some polling stations.In this kind of situation ,we should have a rematch.it just like one day cricket match,you tell the loosing team that last 10 overs will be replayed,and you have an easy target.
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Bollo Such
May 18, 2013 12:49pm
Why Boycotting if you you know its your mandate, its your voters, this question of re-polling wouldn't even arises or challenged by opponents ,if it was genuinely taken mandate but MQM is known for cheating and screaming.What curse this party turned out to be for people of Karachi and whole Pakistan.
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Salim raza
May 18, 2013 12:43pm
While out of the country we look forward updated news,but in DAWN case the up loading is late Thanks Salim
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Aamir Habib
May 18, 2013 12:24pm
The reason re-polling on selected polling stations is opposed is because voters at many stations other than these 43 were not able to cast votes but unfortunately they were outside the coverage of electronic media. So the plight of one set of voters is highlighted while the others were ignored. So a healthy chunk of voters will still not be able to cast votes even after fresh ECP decision. One more thing. What will happen to polling for provincial assembly seats that fall under NA 250. If no polling could be held in these 43 stations it means polling for both National and provincial assemblies. So what will be the status of provincial assembly election for seats in this constituency. Or is it decided that provincial assembly members are less worthy and can easily be ignored?
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Aisha
May 18, 2013 08:54am
Mqm afraid to lose because ppl will say that in fair elections mqm would lose to pti. Hence they boycotted completely
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Nasr KiKi
May 18, 2013 06:07am
Yes, Because they know that they will loose. One need guts to see their position taken away.
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shaikh
May 18, 2013 12:07pm
in all pakistan election should taken again under the army...it is not fair n.a 250 only in karachi ..
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Juned Bulabani
May 18, 2013 07:40am
PPPP has not said anything against any party. Our doors are open and its BB's mission to lead with reconciliation. Nobody has any right to compare PPPP a democratic Party with others. Its advisable not to put our own dirt in other plate. Thank you
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Khan Wali
May 18, 2013 07:27am
'KHISIANI BILLI KHAMBA NOCHEY'
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Juned Basheer
May 18, 2013 08:00am
There was blind hand used in rigging in Pakistan but in Karachi imagine it is done openly and freely with the power of Guns !!! Come on guys
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SNA
May 18, 2013 11:06am
How about MQM winning even after boycott. Surperized, just wait !!!!
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Tanveer
May 18, 2013 10:59am
Open letter to Altaf Bhai. Altaf Bhai boycott is not a wise decision. MQM should contest election what ever be the result is we will accept it.
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M Rafique
May 18, 2013 06:29am
If ECP announces re polling in the constituencies where successful candidates obtained huge numbers of votes or verification of thumbs impression the same recourse will be adopted by them
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Salim Akbani
May 18, 2013 01:40pm
Usually, demands like re-polling the entire city and impractical one is put forth with the expectation that it will not be accepted. Therefore, giving them the right to agitate, harass and even terrorize the citizens. Shame on MQM for behaving so undemocratically. Their posturing will hurt them more than help them.
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athar khan
May 18, 2013 01:32pm
if ECP is fair then they should have repolling on all constitutes in NA 250. By holding parial repolling it is itself a sign of biased deceision Inspite of all of these consiparies, MQM should go to the court against this decision but in the meantime do not boycott. Also if PTI workers can stay on the road without any check by administrative authorties & can force the ECP for its decision then MQM workers should also come forward on the road to influence the ECP but I am sure then in that case Administration will take the actionagainst the MQM but none has been done against PTI. What a open injustice against MQM???
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Irfan Khan
May 18, 2013 09:10am
Some one show this thread to MQM rabbta committe so they might think agian. Please go for contest.....
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Irfan Khan
May 18, 2013 09:09am
Agreed 110% should contest
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Irfan Khan
May 18, 2013 09:08am
I would appeal to MQM as devoted MQM voter to please contest the election and finish this boycott. Even if we loss the seat who care we still have got controll over 18 seats and one more to come in relection in NA 257. Adding 2 wont make any difference in out total number of seat. Rabtta committe and Altaf bhai pleasr think agian and contest the election. Don't give easy seat to PTI.....
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Syed Hussain Akbari
May 18, 2013 09:06am
Save Mr. Mustafa Kamal the party has become useless. But he has also started speaking on political aspects of his party. His image may get spoiled. He should join a party which may use his skills and appreciate as Mr. Perwaiz Musharraf did. At present there are two constructive persons in the political arena of Pakistan namely Mr. Mustafa Kamal and Mr. Shahbaz Sharif. May be Mr. Imran Khan has someone. This Pakistan has to see and experience.
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Hira
May 17, 2013 10:38pm
of course they would boycott!!! they weren't winning the first time... and now since all eyes will be on NA 250, they cant win without rigging involved!!! Shahbash MQM way to save you face!!!
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Lalajeee
May 17, 2013 10:42pm
A defeatist attitude. Let them boycott. They don't deserve to be elected anyway. Pakistan should ban non Pakistani citizens from heading a political party in Pakistan and forbid foreign nationals from addressing the Pakistani nation. If Altaf wants to be in politics then come to Pakistan and not hide in the UK. I hope the British government will declare it illegal for British citizens to be involved in the politics of a foreign country.
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Ahmad
May 17, 2013 10:23pm
Boycott is the best face saving option now that Army will be in and out of the polling stations. But actual rigging has already been done through out Karachi. The so called Hamdards of Mohajirs are now trying to divide Mohajirs between Burgers and Ban Kabab. The noose is now tightening ....
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SBB
May 17, 2013 09:54pm
People who have conspired the most in the past and have built their parties using conspiracies against native people are the ones who are most worried about conspiracies against them. It's a circle.
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Javed Iqbal
May 17, 2013 09:46pm
The know they can not win without rigging and hence the boycott
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Malick
May 17, 2013 09:42pm
Well done Raza Haroon.
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omer khan shaheen
May 17, 2013 08:40pm
One may agree with their reason for boycott but first is to confirm their intentions and that can be done if they answer why there leader talked about breaking Pakistan? second, do members of MQM believe he was correct in saying this? After the answers one can decide what to do next.
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Zack
May 17, 2013 06:56pm
MQM fears sweeping victory of PTI. If not give one good reason to object repolling!
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a-jay
May 17, 2013 07:35pm
250 is a litmus test for MQM. They know they will fail under vigilant watch of the entire nation. A sly move to avoid their false claims.
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Sayyar
May 17, 2013 07:39pm
becuse they know they will LOOSE.
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imran ali
May 17, 2013 07:40pm
another hitting below the belt....first it was delimitation and now rejection of appeal..and why under Army..karachites has not forgotten the Army operation of 1992 and Rangers were helping PTI on 11May in NA250..it seems some forces are trying to push the people against the wall..it is parochial decision due to inner prejudice
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Tansar
May 17, 2013 07:41pm
In this case, I think EC should terminate all of the MQM seats and let them wait for next elections.
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Karachi Wala
May 17, 2013 05:46pm
I think it would be wise if entire Karachi had a re-poll. It should be made sure none of the political party is involved direct or indirect rigging. Overseas observers should also be placed in each polling station.
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Parvez
May 17, 2013 05:46pm
I feel this is a mistake because it gives the impression that ' we know we will loose, as such we are boycotting it '........the MQM have always faced challenges head on, that is their strength. In matters like this perception plays a major roll.
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M. Asghar
May 17, 2013 07:43pm
The ECP decision has to be upheld. The MQM can approach the Apex Court with their case.
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concerned
May 17, 2013 05:44pm
Govt,,Judiciary,army MUST tale immediate penal action against MQM, otherwise Pakistan is in deep trouble.
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Amjad AbdulShakoor
May 17, 2013 05:54pm
MQM is practical accepting that they would lose if polling is conducted.
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Salman
May 17, 2013 05:55pm
good decision by MQM...I do not understand why ECP is hesitant in conducting re-polling in entire NA 250..at least that would satisfy the demands of both the major parties in that constituency... something smells fishy on the part of ECP...do not forget Fakhro Bhai is a true stalwart of PPP
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Dr Saad
May 17, 2013 06:04pm
Because of the elaborate scrutiny this election will be conducted under, MQM has no chance of winning this seat. I am sure MQM will boycott elections on all Karachi seats if army and media are deployed at all polling stations
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RAM
May 17, 2013 06:01pm
It is presence of army that has caused MQM to boycott elections other wise whenever army was there MQM lost polls in many constituencies due to absence of bogus voting opportunity.
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G.A.
May 17, 2013 05:55pm
MQM should have nothing to fear if they believe they have massive support there. It should uphold the spirit of democracy instead of jeopardizing it. They are putting their own credibility at stake by playing spoiler.
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Tahir Ali
May 17, 2013 06:01pm
If Raza Haroon or the entire MQM
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Oz
May 17, 2013 06:00pm
Chor ki darhi main tinka!!
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amaan
May 17, 2013 08:14pm
That is totally unfair with MQM. I couldn't be able to understand: Is it more fair to do the polling on a specified station or Is it more fair to do the polling in all the polling stations of NA-250. Be a Unbiased judge and tell me with the right reasoning ?
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ZB
May 17, 2013 05:50pm
I would like to understand the logic from MQM's side. Perhaps one position could have been that re-polling should happen in the entire NA-250. But all of Karachi, why? How would they like to settle the issue that 43 polling stations issue should be resolved? Is this an all or nothing position?
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Nader Martens
May 17, 2013 08:20pm
Finally justice is served!
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imran
May 17, 2013 08:22pm
Great news. As expected the party that rigged the election, MQM, is against this decision by the election commission.
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Ahmed
May 17, 2013 07:30pm
MQM is demonstrating its lack of respect for democratic institutions.
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Jamshed Khan
May 17, 2013 07:31pm
MQM should let the re-polls if they have nothing to hide.
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marc
May 17, 2013 07:25pm
when every pakistani come out to vote, these so called leaders can see their seats are going out of control. they saw what happend to ppp and anp. Thanks now we have courage to stand up against these unofficial mafia, putting our country behind and behind...
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Saad(DXB)
May 17, 2013 07:21pm
It seems MQM doesn't like the taste of its own medicine.. I would like to ask MQM leaders how does it feel to be bossed around for a change?
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Citizen
May 17, 2013 06:05pm
This could have been expected and for once MQM appears to have a reason which csn not be readily rejected. Repolling in the whole constituency would have increased not decreased the transparency of the process.
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Ashfaq
May 17, 2013 05:49pm
MQM must respect the new force and accept that Karachi is not given to them in dowry.
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AAmir Khan
May 17, 2013 06:52pm
ECP followed the law. They do not have to look after the welfare of the masses. It is ludicrous to re-poll stations were voting has already taken place and there are complains. If you have an issue take it up with the courts. File an appeal. But don't try a red herring and make this anymore then what it really is.
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just_someone
May 17, 2013 06:49pm
They know they cant win given that the Army will be posted and they cant rig the election!
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Kashif Siddiqui
May 17, 2013 06:42pm
As expected, MQM will not participate in any election that are fair and not rigged. By participation, their claim on the MQM vote bank in Karachi would be exposed.
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marghoob ahmed siddiqui
May 17, 2013 06:43pm
MQM is to loose another seat by doing this. It was a reasonable decision to repole only where there is a problem. Why polling all over the Karachui?
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Azi
May 17, 2013 06:39pm
"He further said that the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) should have thought of the well being of the masses." How does this all help the masses ??? With Altaf threatening everyone in Karachi with his goons and guns does not give the image of a party but of those who like violence. plus if I have nothing to worry about I won't care where the Elections are re scheduled...So what's the mayhem ?????
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Sab Se Pehle Pakistan
May 17, 2013 06:38pm
This is so not right of Election Commission. They again tried to take away the mandate of MQM. PTI is exposed throughout the country. They talk about so called change. They have proven it by appointing a CM in KPK who has changed multiple parties and have corruption charges on him. I heard when Mr Khattak joined PTI. PTI workers had internal fights. Now they have him as Chief Minister KPK. Way to go Imran Khan. Good luck PTI workers. Good that PTI is exposed now. I am glad I voted for MQM as this is the only party who has challenged the system and brought change in its real sense. An ideal example of this is Mustafa Kamal a youngster made Nazim of one of the world's largest city Karachi and look what he has done. Rated among world's best Mayors. it is not a joke. It is a big achievement for the country Now this is what I call youth and change. Hats off to Altaf Husein and his vision
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Muhammad Farooq
May 17, 2013 06:06pm
Altaf Bhai,we as Pakistanis should walk the talk of supremacy of law. In my sincere opinion, ECP decision should be accepted by all.
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Zaira
May 17, 2013 06:32pm
"Efforts are being made to steal the party's mandate from Karachi" ha! Mr. Haroon, YOU and YOUR party have stolen a lot more than just mandates ever since YOUR party has forcibly taken control of Karachi. Now its the time to turn the chapter on the MQM!
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Nadir Shah Durrani-KPK
May 17, 2013 06:31pm
Party is being run from London, but you are talking about mandate in Karachi (Pakistan). Mr. Haroon, how long you intend to keep this show on the road in Karachi without your supremo Altaf Bhai ? If you think MQM can win this seat fairly, then why boycott ?
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Imran A.
May 17, 2013 06:28pm
Agreed, there is no point of re-polling. If MQM loses, then it will mean all the rest of election was rigged and PML-N won through unfair means.
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Pakistani (Not Punjabi)
May 17, 2013 06:27pm
Punjabi establishment is behind this debacle. They are on the same path as they were in 1992. Urdu speaking people in Karachi should be ready for another extra judicial killing. Only difference this time, Judiciary is establishment B-team. Election commission is only a joke.
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Syed Sheraz Ali Rizvi
May 17, 2013 06:23pm
Wrong decision. I am MQM voter and boycott is totally wrong decision. Never left ground empty for apponents. Should contest what ever be the result is.
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Mustafa
May 17, 2013 06:08pm
Why re-poll where polling was done according to the law? Why not re-poll where polling was not either done at all or was delayed or violence was observed?
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Baikhof
May 17, 2013 06:12pm
Bhai loog darte warte nahi, bus panic mein hein.
Recommend 0

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