ISLAMABAD: As members of all the legislatures of the country vote to elect the 13th president of Pakistan today, the ruling party candidate, Dr Arif Alvi, vowed to establish himself as president of the country, not a party.
Mr Alvi, who is poised to assume the top constitutional office of president for five years, was speaking to the media on the premises of the National Assembly before voting for the presidential election had begun.
He expressed the confidence that he will win today’s presidential polls by a clear majority.
To a question, the presidential candidate said that some opposition members too have promised to vote for him on the basis of merit.
He said the presidential election is part of the process that would put Pakistan firmly on path to progress and prosperity. He added the PTI wanted a Pakistan where every citizen has access to justice and civic facilities.
Voting has begun in legislatures to elect the 13th president of the country in a three-way contest as the ruling party candidate, Dr Arif Alvi, is assured an easy win owing to failure of the opposition parties to field a joint candidate.
There are 706 votes in the Electoral College and 354 votes are needed to win the coveted post.
The polling began at 10am and will continue without break till 4pm. Members of the both houses of Parliament and four provincial assemblies will cast their votes in the election.
