Transfer of power to new elected govt by June 2: Nizami

Lahore: Caretaker Minister for Information and Broadcasting Arif Nizami on Monday said that power would be transferred to the new elected government by June 2.

He said that the May 11 elections were different from the past
ones as there were very difficult circumstances and the rumours of delay were rife. But the caretakers deserved credit for making
arrangements for free and fair elections and the media was also a partner in this regard.

Over 60 percent turnout in the elections was a big improvement from
nearly 44 percent in 2008 elections and the credit goes to the people, who thronged the polling stations on election day, he added.
“At the time when the non-state actors were hell-bent on sabotaging
the election process and tried to target some political parties, such a high turnout was no mean achievement”, said the minister.

He said that enthusiasm of the masses was historic as people were
still holding victory rallies in big cities. It is a good sign that major political parties have got mandate either at the Centre or at the provinces, he added.

The minister said that violence in the run-up to the elections and on
polling day was regrettable but the miscreants could not disrupt the process. He termed those who lost their lives in the election violence as martyrs of democracy. He said that there were some reports of delay in the start of polling and rigging allegations, which would be decided by the election tribunals.

Arif Nizami said that the role of armed forces and law enforcement agencies was praiseworthy, who played a key role in maintaining law and order. The recommendations of foreign election observers will be incorporated in the future election planning, he added.

Law Minister Ahmer Bilal Soofi said that the caretakers had completed the task given to them under the mandate the National Assembly session would be held within 21 days after the issuance of notifications by the ECP.