Mush urges Political parties not to boycott polls

Islamabad, Dec 2: President Pervez Musharraf has urged all political parties to take part in the general elections, but said that the politics of agitation would not be tolerated at any cost. "All political parties should play their role in moving forward the democratic process. They should run their election campaigns and should not talk about boycotting the polls," he said while presiding over a meeting of Governors and caretaker Chief Ministers.

Sources said that the meeting discussed arrangements for holding fair elections, responsibilities of the provincial governments and economic situation of the country.

Musharraf said that the government would extend maximum support to the Election Commission for holding fair elections.

"Every possible help should be provided to the Election Commission during the elections," the Daily Times quoted Musharraf, as saying.

Law and order will be maintained at all cost during the elections, Musharraf said, adding that the army would be ready to assist the civil administration in the troubling areas.

He said foreign observers and the media could monitor the elections, adding that the government will provide them all possible help for the purpose.

Governors and Chief Ministers from all four provinces apprised Musharraf of the law and order situation in their provinces. It was their first meeting with the President after assuming their offices.

ANI>