Zardari family divided on election timing

ISLAMABAD: Divergent opinions within the Zardari household have come to light regarding the timing of Pakistan’s upcoming elections.

According to Dawn.com, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairperson Bilawal Bhutto Zardari publicly distanced himself from his father’s recent statement favouring a delay in elections due to the need for fresh delimitations following the census.

Bilawal Bhutto asserted his preference to adhere to the party’s decision of holding elections within 90 days, rather than supporting his father’s viewpoint.

Bilawal Bhutto made these comments during a visit to Dr Sikandar Mandhro’s residence in Badin.

“I must emphasise that it was the party’s choice to call for elections within 90 days. We both presided over the CEC meeting, and our legal experts confirmed that the Constitution requires elections within this timeframe. While I am bound to President Zardari in family matters, but when it comes to political affairs, the Constitution and the party’s policy take precedence, I am committed to following the guidance of my fellow party members and the decisions made by our party’s CEC.” Bilawal said.

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Meanwhile, former President Asif Ali Zardari, who leads PPP Parliamentarians, appeared to differ from the party’s consistent stance. He supported the Election Commission of Pakistan’s (ECP) position, stating that completing the delimitation exercise was essential before holding elections.

Bilawal Bhutto divergence from his father’s stance is not entirely unprecedented, as he has previously challenged traditional political norms and compromises in legislative matters. He has consistently called for decisions that would facilitate politics for the younger generation.

PPP leaders, including Raza Rabbani and Sherry Rehman, have echoed the party’s official position, emphasising the need for elections within the constitutionally mandated 90-day period following the National Assembly’s dissolution. They urged the ECP to expedite the constituency delimitation process to ensure compliance with the constitutional mandate.