Lahore: Model Town Society: Old faces likely to be elected again

[Naveed Yaseen]

Political scenario overshadowing MTS elections?: Old faces likely to be elected again

* 3,800 voters expected to vote in elections

By Afnan Khan
LAHORE: The rapid changes in the province’s political scenario is likely to overshadow the upcoming Model Town Society (MTS) elections, with the previously elected body expected to be elected again.
About 3,800 voters of the elite residential society are all set to participate in the elections today. Two different groups are contesting the elections. Outgoing MTS President Col ® Tahir Kardar leads the Kardar Panel. He is contesting for the presidency again with Dr Tanveer Zubairi as the vice-president along with 20 other members contesting for posts in the executive body.
The other panel comprises Khalid Ikram and Imran Ishtiaq who are contesting for the president and vice-president respectively. There are 20 other members contesting for the executive body. Sources in the MTS said the candidates were not supposed to show any political affiliations, adding that both parties were accusing each other of taking support from different political parties. They said the elected representatives take an oath to make decisions for the welfare of the society’s residents, not for political reasons.
The Kardar Panel’s opposition alleged he had taken political support from Lahore Nazim Amir Mehmood during the previous elections. Model Town Residents Association (MTRA) President Amir Azam said it was very unfortunate that the groups participating in the MTS elections blamed each other for having political affiliations. He said those having links with the ‘rulers’ tried to utilise public resources in their favour, adding that despite this being against the society’s constitution it was better for the society in the long-run. Azam urged the residents to vote for the contestants who were not corrupt. He said the development of high-rise commercial buildings, tackling illegal commercialisation, development of a community centre, provision of potable water and a smooth supply of electricity to the residents remained major issues for the society.
Kardar denied having any political affiliation, saying he had introduced exemplary development schemes and projects during his tenure. He said he expected to win the elections on the basis of the work he was done for the society. The MTS administration had announced it would hold its general elections by the end of December 2008, however, it had not been able to due to the alleged involvement of political parties. The polling would start at 9am and would continue until 4pm.

http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp...09_pg13_14