Sir: The total cost of the general elections of 2013 is estimated at around Rs 23.96 billion. This was the amount spent by political parties for the promotion of their manifestos through posters, rallies, TV and print advertisements and other political campaigns. To win the hearts of the voters, candidates spent a huge amount on their election campaigns. This amount, if allocated for development purposes, could have made a difference. When we passed the phase of the general elections, the by-elections started hanging over our heads like Damocles’ sword. By-elections are elections contested on seats vacated by candidates who had contested from more than one constituency. Recently, we witnessed the by-elections held in 41 national and provincial constituencies, in which again the candidates used all their resources to mould the opinion of the voter in their favour.
Once again, our already engaged, multi-tasking armed forces were deployed at the polling stations to ensure transparency and law and order. Our armed forces are needed on the borders these days instead of polling stations due to the ongoing tensions with India. It is my humble request to the chief election commissioner that serious notice be taken in this regard and that candidates only be allowed to contest polls from one constituency. I can assure you that this positive step will save a lot of time, manpower, money and other precious resources.
M MOAZEN BILAL
Lahore