Elections 2024 seem replica of 1977 Elections: Former Minister Durrani
ISLAMABAD, Former federal minister and seasoned politician Muhammad Ali Durrani has expressed concerns over the upcoming February 8, 2024 elections, drawing parallels with the notorious 1977 election.
He asserted that stripping away election symbols, limiting nomination papers, curtailing election activities, and suppressing freedom of expression do not constitute a fair election; rather, it mirrors a process of selection. Durrani warned that this assault on democracy would lead to defeat for all.
In a significant statement issued on Sunday, Durrani remarked that the shameful pre-poll rigging orchestrated by the Punjab administration echoes the dark history of the 1977 elections, an event universally rejected by the nation. He cautioned that if the 1977 formula is replicated in 2024, the country, democracy, people, and institutions would suffer akin to the conditions of 1977, resulting in widespread loss.
Durrani highlighted the dominance of the administration by Nawaz Sharif, causing heightened anxiety among the populace. Recognizing this aspect, he emphasized the need for patriotism. He criticized the recent transfer of the Chief Election Commissioner post to a civil service officer, asserting that the Election Commission's failure to ensure transparent elections could undermine public support for appointing bureaucrats to such positions in the future. This failure, he warned, would become a lasting stain on the civil service, akin to the infamous judges of the past.
The former federal minister argued that Mian Nawaz Sharif cannot attain "electoral respect" by disregarding the vote, predicting that the biggest loser in the 2024 elections would be Nawaz Sharif and his party. Durrani noted that despite holding power three times, Nawaz Sharif has consistently clashed with institutions and, for the first time, finds himself politically and electorally sidelined before assuming power. The "vote ki izat" (respect for the vote) mantra, according to Durrani, has failed for Nawaz Sharif.
Durrani called on the judiciary to play a role in averting a situation reminiscent of 1977. He cautioned that failure to do so would further tarnish the judiciary's reputation.
