Pakistani youths demand voting right

While several of them say that tomorrow's elections are crucial for the country's image, others opine that being excluded from the voting process could have a major impact on the results.

Bassim Ahmed, 20, says, “We have been deprived of exercising our right to vote because government functionaries think that we might not be able to do it peacefully while abroad. But I suggest that the government should use modern technology and allow us to vote online. If we (youths) do not vote, then no change can be expected in the country.

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“Online voting could have worked since a low voter turnout is expected due to security reasons. As youngsters, we hope the elections can bring changes in the country on several fronts including its image in the backdrop of terrorism. Rigging will not help anyway.”

Nauseen Wasif, 20, says, “Today's youth is tomorrow's future and excluding us from the electoral process just because we do not reside in Pakistan is unfair. If we need to move forward with the world, then we need to change our image which can be done through a free and fair voting process.”

Baqar Hussain Khawaja, 20, says, “The main question that we face today is, 'How free and fair will the elections be?' I remember the last elections were won by Nawaz Sharif after he secured a 90 per cent majority. Everybody claimed that the elections had been rigged. This time, we hope the elections are free and fair. And whatever be the result, people should accept it with an open mind.

“Besides, I also feel that excluding the 700,000 Pakistanis residing in the UAE alone and huge numbers in other countries from voting will have a drastic effect on the results.”Wasif Noorani, 18, says, “We want change in the country. We want an end to corruption and violence. It is too soon to say, but I believe there has been much change during President Pervez Musharraf's regime. Elections this time will definitely bring further change.”