No one can delay elections: Zardari
19 January, 2013
KARACHI: President Asif Ali Zardari has felicitated Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf, the coalition parties in the government, all the democratic opposition political parties and the democratic elements in civil society and media for the role played by them in ensuring a peaceful and successful resolution of the recent demonstration in Islamabad. The president said that the peaceful resolution of the issue without use of force was a triumph of democracy and reconciliation. It is a vindication of the policy of reconciliation of Benazir Bhutto that has been vigorously pursued by the present democratic government, he said. "Democracy and reconciliation have won. The unity shown by democratic political forces in safeguarding democracy is most laudable and needs to be preserved and strengthened." He said that elections will be held on time and will not be delayed even for a day and will be conducted in accordance with the dictates of the constitution. The president said that those seeking to postpone elections have been frustrated and no one will be allowed to derail the election process on any pretext. He complimented the Interior Ministry and the law enforcers under it for deftly handling the situation, maintaining law and order and keeping the demonstrators safe from security threats. The president has been quoted as saying by his spokesman that they demonstrated commendable restraint despite provocation in allowing the demonstration to run out of steam. Zardari also congratulated all those involved in negotiations to end the demonstration for their skill and perseverance which helped successfully conclude negotiations. End.
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