MMA divided on boycott of elections

ISLAMABAD: The Muttahida Majlis-e-Amal (MMA) on Saturday failed to reach a final decision to boycott the general elections but deferred withdrawal of nomination papers till December 15.

“We have decided to keep all options open till the last date of withdrawal of nomination papers which was also necessary to keep the MMA intact,” a central leader of the MMA told ‘The News’ after a meeting of the alliance leadership held here at the residence of Qazi Hussain Ahmad to discuss the issue.

Sources said that following suggestions from MMA Secretary-General and JUI (F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, the Jamaat-e-Islami (JI,) which was represented by its Amir Qazi Hussain Ahmad and Secretary-General Syed Munawwar Hassan, agreed to stop their candidates from withdrawing nomination papers.

The sources said Maulana Fazlur Rehman was of the view that as the announcement to boycott the elections was conditional, therefore, any party of the MMA should not take any decision in haste. Other parties also supported the same stance.

A central leader of the MMA after the meeting said that the proceedings were held in a very cordial atmosphere and there was no criticism of each other. “We have agreed to continue the process of consultation to reach a final decision,” Qazi Hussain Ahmad said while briefly talking to newsmen after the meeting. He welcomed the proposal of All Parties Conference as part of the process of consultations.

He was of the view that the opposition parties should take a decision about boycotting the elections collectively. He reiterated demands about lifting of emergency immediately, and restoration of the judiciary to the pre-November 3 status, saying that fair elections are not possible in the prevailing situation.

Maulana Fazlur Rehman said he would welcome the APDM committee and try to convince them about his stance on participating in the elections. To a question, he said that a final decision would be taken before the holding of the elections. “We are trying to convince each other,” the Maulana said when asked to comment on the committee constituted by the APDM to convince him to boycott elections. He said he considered the decision of boycotting the polls as wrong but still he was ready to continue dialogue with other opposition parties on the issue.