The Election Commission of Pakistan does not have the authority to ensure a free and fair election, Sen. Sajid Mir, chief of Jamiat Ulema-e-Ahle Hadees, told Urdu News.
His remarks came as Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari announced that polls will be held on May 11.
The vote will mark the first time that an elected civilian government hands over to another in a country that has seen three military coups and four military rulers since the end of British rule in 1947.
Mir also said he did not see any major obstacle in holding polls but stressed that the Election Commission did not enjoy enough powers to implement its decisions.
Mir said that both the government and the opposition do not want power handed over to what he termed as clean people because it would hurt their interests.
The election commissioner, he said, enjoyed the confidence of both the government and the opposition but he lacked authority to make independent decisions because he came under pressure from politicians.
A parliamentary committee has until Friday to select a candidate to head a caretaker administration until the polls. The election commission should then announce a full schedule for the campaign.
Zardari’s Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) and the opposition Pakistan Muslim League-N led by former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif are likely to dominate the race, while former cricket star Imran Khan will compete in an election for the first time.
Separate elections will also be held for regional assemblies in Pakistan’s four provinces.
Shairf urged the people of Pakistan to “rejoice” at the prospect of a democratic transition, adding: “We have to strengthen democracy. Martial law is not a solution, it is the cause of many ills.”
Senator says Pakistan Election Commission ‘lacks authority’
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