PPP plans strategy for Zardari's elections

Islamabad, Sep 1: The Pakistan Peoples' Party (PPP) has finalised its strategy to obtain the maximum votes for Asif Ali Zardari in the Sep 6 Presidential election. The party has decided to keep all party members of the National Assembly (MNAs) and senators in Islamabad until D-day. Pakistan Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani on Saturday, Aug 30 held a meeting with top party leaders at PM House and discussed in detail the party strategy to get maximum votes for Zardari, sources reported.

According to sources, the PPP has a target of over 450 votes for Zardari out of the total 702 from the Electoral College that comprises the Senate, the National Assembly and the four provincial assemblies. Out of the total 702 votes, 699 votes would be cast, as three seats are still lying vacant.

The sources said Gilani was briefed on the progress of contacts with the PML-Q's forward bloc, the MQM, the FATA members, the ANP, the JUI-F and the PML-Functional.

He was also told that some members of the PML-N had promised to support the PPP and Q-League members in the NWFP, Sindh and Balochistan assemblies had assured their support for the candidature of Zardari in the presidential race. Gilani was also briefed on the contacts made by lawmakers belonging to the PML-Q of both the houses of parliament, and it was conveyed that they were approaching in groups to support the ruling coalition for the presidential election.

ANI