Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Tuesday urged political parties to refrain from any form of chaos, violence, intimidation, occupation of polling centres, vote manipulation, or provocative activities, warning that a ‘flawed, questionable, or violent election’ ultimately benefits no one.
“History teaches us that a flawed, questionable, or violent election does not bring good to anyone. Instead, it brings destruction to the country,” he said in a televised address to the nation ahead of the twin polls - the national election and referendum, scheduled for February 12.
Prof Yunus said those who have ignored public opinion and attempted to remain in power through force or irregular means have invariably faced strict accountability in the court of the people.
“I want to clearly tell all political parties that they must unequivocally instruct their leaders and activists at every level - from the party headquarters to the grassroots, not to engage in chaos, violence, intimidation, occupation of polling centres, vote influence, or any provocative actions,” he said.
Prof Yunus also cautioned against the spread of rumours on social media or through any other means.
The Chief Adviser warned that the state will not tolerate such activities under any circumstances.
Key in your hands, use it wisely: Prof Yunus tells voters
“Since the election process began, we have observed that a certain group has been systematically attempting to create doubt, fear, and confusion among citizens by spreading rumours and misinformation,” Prof Yunus said, adding that their sole objective is to disrupt the peaceful election environment and undermine public trust.
He called on all citizens to remain vigilant and act responsibly. “Do not share any information without verification. Awareness and truth are the strongest weapons against rumors. Those who deliberately sought to create doubts about the elections over the past months have been proven completely wrong and have failed to mislead the people.
“Stay clear of all forms of propaganda. Remain in contact with the government to verify information. Call the Election Friend Hotline - 333 - to obtain accurate updates,” Prof Yunus said.
He said a new narrative is now being circulated claiming that the interim government will not hand over power to the elected representatives.
He described this claim as “completely baseless and a planned propaganda effort aimed solely at creating obstacles in the country’s democratic transition. Rest assured, the interim government will fulfill its responsibilities and hand over power to the elected representatives as soon as possible.”