ISLAMABAD, Aug 18: Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz on Thursday expressed satisfaction over the conduct of the first phase of local body elections in the country and said that these fair, free and transparent polls would enhance Pakistan’s image in the comity of nations.

In a statement, he noted that balloting in 53 districts was held in a peaceful manner in line with the code of conduct set by the election commission.

He appreciated the role of law enforcement agencies in ensuring a transparent and peaceful polling.

Balloting for the remaining districts would be held on Aug 25 in the second phase.

Mr Aziz said local bodies were the base on which democracy rested and added that people had elected their representatives in a free environment and they should be proud of it.

He said elections were part of the process initiated by President General Pervez Musharraf to strengthen democracy and empower citizens at the grassroots level.

He said that women and the minorities for whom special seats had been allocated had also elected their representatives.

“Winning or losing is part of elections and it has always been our desire that people should elect those people who can serve the country selflessly and improve the country’s image,” he added.

The prime minister said he was pleased with reports that the process went on smoothly.

The holding of peaceful, free and transparent elections would contribute to strengthening the democratic process and send a message to the world that Pakistan had a vibrant democracy where people were free to express their will, he added.

Mr Aziz pointed out that women in Pakistan had more representation at all tiers of governance than in many developed countries. He said the holding of the second phase of these elections on Aug 25 would take the democratic process forward.

The prime minister said the government desired peace in the country and it was against extremism. “We take pride in being an Islamic country and our religion teaches us to promote brotherhood, tolerance and a peaceful society.”

He said the acting chief election commissioner had visited many places and the government had also invited foreign observers to see for themselves that elections were held in a free, fair and transparent manner.

The prime minister said that action would be taken if there were any complaints about the polling.

He said those who faced defeat should accept people’s verdict while winners should fulfil their obligations towards those who had elected them.—APP