ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Monday held hearing into to the alleged rigging in by -election held for NA 75 Daska (Sialkot) on February 19, 2021.
Chief Election Commissioner, Raja Sikander Sultan and other members of the commission conducted daylong hearing into the alleged use of unfair means to rig the by-election in the constituency.
ECP noted detailed arguments of the lawyers of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) candidate , Ali Asjad Malhi, and advocate of Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) candidate, Syeda Naushin Iftikhar.
Both Asjad Malhi and Ms Naushin Iftkhar were present before ECP during the hearing.
ECP also recorded statement of Returning Officer (RO) on the allegations levelled by PTI and PMLN candidates.
Ali Asjad Malhi and Ms Naushin Iftikhar were leading candidates in by-elections under hearing and both are claimant of winning February 19,2021 by- election of the constituency.
RO narrated the whole tale of missing of 20 presiding officers on the day of by- election.
He also pointed out serious irrigularities in the elections process.
The counsel for PMLN candidate played a video of violence during the hearing that had claimed two precious lives on the day of by-election.
After hearing arguments of the counsels of both sides CEC noted that the commission can go for re-election in NA 75 if it reaches to the decision that February 19, 2021by- election was not fair and free. He also ordered PTI candidate to submit record in support of his claims on February 24, 2021. A final decision on the case is expected on February 24, 2021.
ECP has enough proof and evidence after the hearing to cancel the controversial results of election and go for reelection in the constituency.
ECP should also make foolproof arrangements to make sure that its presiding officers do not go missing again.
