LAHORE, Sept 23: PPP acting secretary-general Raza Rabbani claims that his party will emerge as the single largest group at the centre and in the Punjab and NWFP, capable of forming governments there, in case the regime holds free and fair elections.

At a news conference here on Monday, he said this was his assessment of the possible party position despite massive pre-poll rigging already carried out in favour of what he called ‘king’s party’.

He alleged that the regime wanted to keep the major political parties out of the electoral process to be able to bring in people of its own choice in assemblies. But, he made it clear, the PPP would frustrate such designs by taking an active part in the polls.

Ms Benazir Bhutto’s spokesman Munawwar Anjum and Abdul Qadir Shaheen were also present.

The PPP, Mr Rabbani said, was committed to contesting the elections as enthusiastically as was the regime determined to using every possible tactics to get results of its own choice.

Asked if the party was so serious about taking part in the electoral process, why the PPP leaders frequently talked of the boycott option, Mr Rabbani said options to deal with various situations were always available.

Before the news conference, the PPP leader inaugurated an election cell which would document pre-poll rigging methods used by the regime and intimidation of the party workers and supporters. The proof would be provided to the election commission as this was the only relevant institution which should be approached in such situations.

The cell, the like of which will also be working in the other provincial and federal capitals, will also monitor the election results. Election candidates facing hardships at the hands of the regime have been directed to approach the cell of their respective areas.

Mr Rabbani said the regime was targeting the PPP but the latter would not be browbeaten.

He said the PPP and the ARD were exposing the pre-poll rigging methods being used by the regime to favour a particular party.

He denied as “inspired” reports that the ARD had ceased to exist, and said the alliance would play an effective role in the post-election era. Replying to a question, Mr Rabbani said there was no conflict in the PPP’s stand —- that parliament would take a decision on the presidency of Gen Musharraf —- and ARD’s stand that the alliance did not recognize Gen Musharraf as president.

Asked whether the PPP still demanded the appointment of a new chief election commissioner to ensure free and impartial elections, Mr Rabbani said the time for such an action was over.