NEWS

New govt will have short shelf life: Fatima Bhutto

Source:PTI
February 29, 2008 15:51 IST

Fatima Bhutto, (see image), the fiery niece of slain former Pakistani premier Benazir Bhutto, has said the new coalition formed by PML-N chief Nawaz Sharif and PPP co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari is destined to have a "short shelf life".

 

"Unfortunately, the new coalition is more of a reflection of the coming together of two corrupt politicians and I know that nothing new is going to happen on the political front," Fatima said.

 

"Sharif and Zardari cannot sustain a lasting coalition. Their shelf life is destined to be very short," the 25-year-old daughter of late Murtaza Bhutto told the Arab Times newspaper.

 

Fatima said the February 18 general election "in no way represents a new beginning for the people" and the "new parliament brings no hope of good governance".

 

"These

elections were a real fraud from the very beginning to the very end. There was widespread and blatant rigging, which was supported by the government, the Election Commission and the police," she said.

 

"I can assure you that the electoral rolls had been fixed, ballot boxes were pre-stuffed and voters openly used fake ID cards or ID cards without photographs, and I have ample evidence."

 

"I was there at the polling stations in Larkana district from (7 am to 8 pm) and witnessed rigging with my own eyes," said Fatima, who is often compared to Benazir.

 

Fatima, who does not believe in "dynasty politics" and had criticised her cousin Bilawal after he took over as the PPP chairman, said, "I don't believe in birthright politics. I don't believe in dynasty, because I think it's dangerous for the country."

Source: PTI
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