Imran’s ‘planted men’ remark annoys ECP

ISLAMABAD: The next general elections are due in mid-2018, but questions are being raised even now about neutrality of the polls supervisory body, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).

Some opposition parties, particularly the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), had been critical of the ECP’s role during the 2013 general elections.

All the top ECP officials – including the chief election commissioner and four provincial members – who supervised the last polls have been replaced with new members now. However, the PTI chief Imran Khan has once again questioned neutrality of the ECP.

“The government has planted its men in the ECP and is also planning rigging the 2018 general election,” Imran was quoted as saying during his visit to Karachi.

Strongly reacting to Imran’s statement, the ECP said it is a prestigious national institution and sincerely serving the nation for the constitutional assignment entrusted to it.  It said the ECP strives to conduct free, fair and impartial election and expects citizens of Pakistan to assist in this national responsibility.

“It regrets such highly irresponsible statements of Imran Khan or any other leader trying to undermine integrity of the institution. Needless to say the ECP will continue to perform its functions undeterred by deliberate vilification campaign,” read the statement.

Imran’s allegation and the ECP’s reaction shows that this lack of trust will further polarise the situation as the polls draw nearer.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 1^st, 2017.