ISLAMABAD, JUN 28 (DNA) – Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed, Chairman, Senator Foreign Affairs Committee and Chairman, PML(N) Central Media Committee has made it clear that the PML(N) would resist any attempt at rigging or interference, intimidation or manipulation of the elections scheduled to be held on July 25.

He made these remarks during his meetings with the European Union Chief Election Observer, Michael Gahler and the President of the National Democratic Institute (NDI), Kenneth Wollack.

  Senator Mushahid Hussain said that the PML(N) warmly welcomes the election observers both from Pakistan as well as the international observers since this has been the past practice of elections in Pakistan.

He said that as the largest and most popular political party of Pakistan, the PML(N) is very keen that the elections be free, fair and transparent since any attempt to influence the elections outcome or manipulate the electoral process or intimidate the candidates or the voters would undermine the credibility of the elections.

In this regard, he said that the PML(N) was closely coordinating with various Pakistani civil society organisations like PILDAT, FAFEN as well as the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan and all the candidates are being given instructions how to put counter rigging measures in place.

He said that the PML(N) would extend full cooperation to the election observers both Pakistanis and international and PML(N) would ensure that the Code of Conduct formulated by the Election Commission of Pakistan is followed in letter and spirit.

Senator Mushahid Hussain told the visiting delegation from the EU as well as the NDI that the PML is committed to promoting, protecting and preserving the freedom of speech and he also briefed them on actions taken recently that are one-sided, targeting the PML(N) candidates and election campaign.

He also brought on record the fact that all public opinion surveys that have been published in the national and international press clearly indicate that the PML(N) is ahead of the competition by far, 14 points nationally and 20 points ahead in the Punjab.

Senator Mushahid Hussain also invited the observers to visit the PML(N) Headquarters in Lahore and he said that the PML(N) would be conducting a clean, issue-based campaign and PML(N) is confident of victory on July 25 given the performance and track-record of the party both nationally and in the Punjab province.

He referred to the fact that the PML(N) candidates are contesting on seats from all the four provinces and the Federal Capital of Pakistan.=DNA

==============