HYDERABAD, Aug 8: The senior vice-president of the Alliance for Restoration of Democracy, Sindh, Zahid Rafiq Butt, has alleged that unprecedented pre-poll rigging is taking place in Sindh with ministers and advisers violating the Election Commission’s code of conduct.

Speaking at a press conference at the residence of Khalid Aziz Arain in Latifabad on Sunday, he alleged that state machinery was being used against opponent candidates. Abdul Aziz Arain, Shabbir Ansari, Khalid Arain and Rafiq Lodhi were also present.

Mr Butt, who is also a spokesman for the Pakistan Muslim League-N, observed that under the given circumstances, the local body elections could not be free and fair because the results had already been prepared.

He termed the elections a farce and referred to a public meeting addressed by Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz in Hyderabad which had been organized by a political party as part of its election campaign.

He charged that the Sindh chief minister was directing Tapedars for action against opponents to get the desired results in the polls.

The ARD leader alleged that candidates of opposition parties were being pressured and kidnapped.

He called for appointment of an independent election commission for holding free and fair elections.

He said in the present situation a grand alliance, comprising opposition parties, was expected.

Mr Butt also demanded formation of an interim government before allowing the popular leadership of the country, Benazir Bhutto and Nawaz Sharif, to return to the country. He said the PML-N chief had already clarified that he would not compromise on principles with the government.

He also criticized the foreign policy of the country and the crackdown on seminaries.