Faisal Karim Kundi: Elections hold the key to solve economic crisis

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader Faisal Karim Kundi discussed the need for transparency in setting election dates during an appearance on the programme Newsline with Dr Maria Zulfiqar on HUM News. Kundi revealed that a meeting had been held with the Chief Election Commissioner in a positive atmosphere.

Kundi said that during the meeting, the PPP representatives conveyed to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) their concern that if elections were to be held within 60 days, as mandated by the law, preparations needed to be initiated promptly.

Kundi acknowledged the ECP’s commendable track record and highlighted that while meetings with various political parties had taken place, a concrete election date had not yet been announced. This uncertainty has led to differing opinions within political circles, with some advocating for February as a suitable election window.

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Meanwhile, he emphasised the importance of elections as a means to address the severe economic crisis facing the country, underscoring the need for a government to take charge and navigate the challenges.

When asked about the possibility of the President of Pakistan announcing the election date, Kundi expressed concerns that this could lead to a protracted back-and-forth between the President and the ECP, leaving the public as mere spectators.

Regarding the process of delimitation, Faisal Karim Kundi noted the existing backlog of judicial cases and stressed the urgency of the ECP providing a clear election date. He advocated for a level playing field for all political parties, emphasising the importance of respecting the mandate of the people. He cited PPP Co-chairman Bilawal Bhutto’s call for upholding the people’s mandate as a guiding principle.