LAHORE, Oct 7: The PML-N has rejected the results of the third phase of the local elections and decided to launch a movement against the rulers after Eidul Fitr.

Party’s provincial secretary-general and Lahore district president Zaeem Qadri and Chaudhry Abdul Ghafoor, respectively, said at a news conference here on Friday that the polls had been rigged at an unprecedented scale to ensure the victory of the government-backed candidates.

They said despite the ‘investment’ of billions of rupees by various ruling party candidates and the use of state machinery, the opposition had performed better compared to the 2001 elections.

Zaeem Qadri feared the local government representatives could be used as electoral college for the president. But, he said, the nation would not accept such a step.

Chaudhry Ghafoor said resignations from the assemblies and agitation were the only options left with the opposition parties. He said once directed by the leadership, he would be the first to quit the assembly.—Staff Reporter