KARACHI: The Muttahida Qaumi Movement has rejected the decision by the Election Commission of Pakistan to conduct re-polling in NA-250, where polling was postponed on May 11 due to reports of alleged rigging and absence of electoral staff.

In a televised press conference on Tuesday, MQM leader Mustafa Kamal rejected the election commission's decision, blaming the ECP of failing to ensure timely polling. Kamal said it the commission was covering up its own failures by announcing re-polling at 43 polling stations of the constituency on May 19.

The MQM leader also said the party would protest against the ECP's decision.

Polling was not held as per schedule at some stations in Karachi on May 11, after which the ECP postponed polling at 43 polling stations of NA-250, PS-112 and PS-113 constituencies.

The ECP announced earlier today that polling at the said stations would be held on Sunday.

Speaking at the press conference, Kamal said an investigation should be launched as to why polling could not be started at these polling stations and was delayed for hours.

The MQM leader also questioned why ballot boxes could not reach these stations despite the fact that polling was supervised by the ECP with the Army’s help.

The media’s attention was focused on NA-250 where PTI activists openly hurled abuses at MQM, which went unchecked by the election authorities, he alleged.

MQM has also announced to legally challenge the commission's decision in the court.