KARACHI: The Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI) elections for 2024-26 are being marred by the Election Commission’s blatant support for the ruling group BMG, using dubious tactics to create controversy, according to Asif Sakhi, a leader of the Businessmen Alliance (BMA).
In a statement, Sakhi noted that every decision made by the Directorate General of Trade Organizations (DGTO) seems to be against the Karachi Chamber’s Election Commission. Despite this, the Election Commission, appointed by the ruling group, continues to oversee all electoral activities.
Sakhi further stated that the need to approach the DGTO for every decision highlight the Election Commission’s perceived bias and alignment with BMG. This situation is causing delays and wasting time for the Businessmen Alliance (BMA) panel.
He mentioned that serial numbers for BMA candidates had to be assigned only after a protest was staged because, despite meeting all legal requirements, the ruling group used various excuses and delay tactics to hinder the process.
“Efforts to intimidate BMA leaders and candidates by mobilizing a large police presence failed, leading to a setback for the ruling group’s appointed Election Commission. Eventually, after a debate and protest by BMA at the Karachi Chamber on the evening of September 14, 2024, serial numbers were assigned, wasting yet another day of the electoral process.”
The BMA leadership has demanded that elections be conducted under the supervision of a Hon’ble High Court judge, the President of Karachi Bar, and the President of Karachi Press Club to ensure fairness and prevent any discord.
The BMA leadership criticized the ruling group for having been in power for 25 years, during which they have only exacerbated the problems faced by the business community instead of addressing their issues.