Asif Ali Zardari, co-chairman of the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), stated on Monday that an 8 to 10-day delay in the general elections, scheduled for February 8, 2024, would not impact the process.
In an interview with a private news channel, the former president acknowledged the constitutional authority of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to adjust the election date. While PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto has advocated for timely elections, Zardari indicated that the PPP would not oppose a minor postponement.
Zardari emphasized that the ECP possesses full discretion over the election timeline, allowing them to advance or delay the polls. He highlighted the unique challenges in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (Fata), mentioning adverse weather conditions and ongoing conflicts that could affect the elections. These factors contribute to the PPP’s openness to a brief delay.
Further in the interview, Zardari mentioned the possibility of running for the prime minister’s position, mentioning himself, Bilawal Bhutto, and Khursheed Shah as potential candidates. He refrained from specifying the PPP’s prime ministerial candidate, stating that time would reveal their choice.
Zardari also claimed credit for the election of PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif as prime minister and dismissed the possibility of reintroducing a presidential system in Pakistan. He criticized PTI leader Imran Khan, accusing him of damaging the country and alleging irregularities in citizen registrations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Concluding his remarks, Zardari proposed a 10-year economic plan as essential for Pakistan’s progress.
