3 pm to 5 pm ; Most Critical Time in Polling 2008

By Fatima Tassaduq • Feb 18th, 2008 • Category: Pakistan Vote'08, Politics • No Responses •

Some days ago, the state-run Associated Press of Pakistan reported to the alarm of many that Musharraf has promised free and fair elections and has warned parties not to protest if they lose. “I assure you that the elections will be fair, free and transparent and peaceful,” he said at a seminar in Islamabad, in the capital of Pakistan.

As the polling-stopage time is drawing near, if one reviews the day’s progress, one sees a spate of little news of intermittent suspension of polling, brawls between political workers and candidates. One fight between Ghinwa Bhutto and Nisar Khorro was the spectacle of the day, then the slaying of PML-N candidate in Lahore and other little fist-fights in other parts of country.

There are also some funny reports of people running after picking the ballot papers, and many ballot papers are being discovered which are fake. Then there are reports of tries of rigging in the remote areas. Then there are reports of local governments trying to influence the outcome.

But thankfully there is no big violence act has been reported. Now the polling has entered into the most crucial state, and the time between 3 pm and 5 pm is very crucial. Most of the votes will be cast at this time, and security must be beefed up on polling stations due to the rush.