ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has categorically rejected all allegations of rigging in the NA-18 Haripur by-election, responding to claims made by certain political parties.
In an official statement, the ECP termed the allegations as baseless and aimed at undermining the integrity of the electoral process.
The Commission highlighted that specific elements have consistently attempted to make by-elections controversial. It also clarified that claims regarding the appointment of district returning officers (DRO) and returning officers (RO) as part of a supposed conspiracy were contrary to the facts.
The ECP explained that due to staff shortages during general elections, it is not always possible to appoint officers. However, for by-elections, the Commission assigns its own officers as DROs and ROs.
These officers had already been stationed in the area for the NA-18 by-election, and no political party had raised objections to their appointments until the polling day.
Furthermore, the Commission denied the accusation that Form 45 had been pre-prepared, calling the claim false and misleading. It also clarified that the presiding officers were provided by the provincial administration, and had the ECP wished, it could have appointed federal government employees for the task.
The ECP stated that the provincial administration was responsible for handling polling bags, submitting results to the RO’s office, and ensuring security arrangements for the election.
In response to the allegations of rigging following the loss of the election, the Commission emphasized that repeated claims of malpractice after each election undermine the democratic process.
The ECP urged that any objections to the election results should be taken to the election tribunal, the proper legal forum for addressing such concerns.
The election commission reiterated its commitment to conducting all elections in accordance with the constitution and the law, and asserted that it would continue to ensure free, fair, and transparent elections in the future.
Read also: ECP takes notice of Asad Qaiser’s rigging allegations in by-elections
