Back up claims of poll rigging with evidence: Pak to Oppn

Pakistan's caretaker government on Tuesday dismissed allegations by opposition leaders about the rigging of the January 8 general election, saying they should provide evidence to back up their claims.

Information Minister Nisar Memon said the interim government believes that the political parties and candidates should work together to create an atmosphere conducive to the holding of free, fair and transparent polls.

Dismissing apprehensions of pre-poll rigging expressed by some political leaders, Memon said in a statement that the "unfortunate culture of questioning the electoral process has become a custom in our country".

Former Premiers Benazir Bhutto and Nawaz Sharif have alleged that the government would indulge in massive rigging to benefit the ruling PML-Q party which backs President Pervez Musharraf.

Bhutto has also demanded the suspension of local governments and mayors and the reconstitution of the Election Commission and the caretaker government.

But Memon said: "It will be appreciated if evidence is provided to the government about the authority or the officials allegedly involved in subverting the caretaker government's commitment to hold free, fair and transparent elections. Mere levelling of accusations would serve no purpose."

The government, he said, would welcome suggestions from political parties and proof of "anything that is contrary to the code of conduct issued by the Election Commission".

Memon noted that even "political leaders who have been in the government in the past have been questioning the fairness of the elections."

It is "imperative... that political leaders rise above their political interests and refrain from vitiating the congenial atmosphere as free and fair elections on January 8 will advance the national goal of a moderate, democratic and progressive Pakistan," he said.

"Elections on January 8 are in the offing. It has generated interest in the common man to change his or her destiny. But the smear campaign against the electoral process may confuse the common man," he said.