KARACHI: The Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) on Wednesday accused Karachi Mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab and town municipal corporations in Karachi of exerting their ‘influence’ on the electoral process by misusing their offices and government funds and urged the Election Commission of Pakistan to take action against this ‘clear’ violation of election rules and laws.

In a letter to the ECP chief, MQM-P convener Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui referred to multiple complaints and experiences of different Karachiites, who said to have observed such violations.

He called the recent launch of development projects at town levels a way to influence voters in favour of the respective parties.

“Your kind attention is invited to the inauguration/execution of development works, use of local government funds and resources by Mayor of Karachi/chairmen of different towns to influence voters and voting pattern and to manipulate results of elections-2024, in clear violation of the election laws, rules and code of conduct issued by the Election Commission of Pakistan,” Dr Siddiqui said in his letter.

Mayor launched new projects to influence public opinion, says Khalid Maqbool

According to the code of conduct, the MQM-P leader said no development project could be initiated or inaugurated by any government or public office holder after the announcement of the election schedule.

“Moreover, no public funds can be used for the purpose of influencing voters or the outcome of the elections,” said the MQM-P letter to the ECP.

“However, it has been observed that the Mayor/Town chairmen in Karachi on the behest of political parties and candidates are blatantly flouting these rules and regulations, and are using public money and resources to launch or inaugurate new schemes, projects and facilities in their respective areas, with the aim of gaining an unfair advantage over their opponents and influencing the voters.”

Dr Siddiqui called it ‘a serious matter’ which ‘undermines’ credibility and integrity of the electoral process, and ‘violates’ the fundamental rights of voters to choose their representatives freely and fairly.

“It also creates an uneven playing field for the contesting candidates, and gives undue benefit to those who are in power or have access to public funds. Such practices are not only illegal, but also unethical and immoral, and should be stopped immediately,” he added.

“I request you to kindly take notice of this issue and take strict action against the violators of the election laws and code of conduct. I also urge you to ensure that no development work or inauguration is carried out or announced by any public office until the completion of the elections. I hope that you will uphold the sanctity and impartiality of the elections, and protect the rights and interests of the voters and the candidates,” he stated.

Published in Dawn, January 4th, 2024