ECP summons meeting to review rigging complaints

Published May 13, 2013
Chief Election Commissioner Justice (Retd) Fakharuddin G. Ebrahim.—File Photo by INP
Chief Election Commissioner Justice (Retd) Fakharuddin G. Ebrahim.—File Photo by INP

ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Monday summoned a meeting to review complaints lodged against rigging in the May 11 polls, DawnNews reported.

Under the leadership of Chief Election Commissioner, Justice (retd) Fakhruddin G. Ebrahim, the meeting scheduled for 2 pm today would examine allegations of widespread rigging received from Karachi and other parts of the country.

Moreover, it would also review election related reports by officers of various polling stations.

Earlier on Sunday, the ECP had rejected the possibility that results of the elections could have been changed at any stage, saying it would take the responsibility for each and every ballot paper.

“There is no reason for any doubt or fear because of the delay in publication of official results because a foolproof procedure under the law is being followed,” ECP Secretary Ishtiak Ahmad Khan had said on Sunday at a press conference.

Allegations of rigging

Pakistan Tehrik-i-Insaaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan also alleged on Sunday that the elections had been rigged and pledged to produce a ‘white paper’ on poll irregularities and flaws.

“We have information that electoral results have been changed in different districts. There are reports the administration misused its authority and interfered with the electoral process. We are collecting evidence,” Khan said in a video message from his hospital bed.

Additionally on Sunday, the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) said it saw the results of the May 11 polls in Punjab as ‘manipulated’ and vowed to come up with evidence to prove its allegation.

“There was total rigging. We are taking feedback from our candidates in the province and will present the evidence before the media soon,” PPP secretary general Sardar Latif Khosa told Dawn.

The elections saw Pakistan Muslim League – Nawaz (PML-N) ahead of any other party at the centre, although still falling short of the number of seats needed for a simple majority.

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