Nawaz directs PML-N leadership to prevent 'vote theft' in by-polls

Former premier instructs candidates to remain in their respective RO offices till final results are announced

Former prime minister Nawaz Sharif on Saturday directed Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leadership to remain alert and not let the votes be stolen during Sunday's by-polls, Express News reported.

Nawaz also told party candidates and parliamentarians to stay in their respective returning officers' (RO) rooms until the final results are announced to prevent 'vote theft'.I

Insiders say the party's leader Hamza Shehbaz will also be present in his constituency's RO room till the final results are announced. The PML-N alleges massive rigging during the July 25 general elections.

Meanwhile, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has completed preparation for the elections slated to be held in 35 national and provincial constituencies.



Around 9.5 million ballot papers have been printed for polling in 11 National Assembly constituencies and 24 provincial constituencies. 641 candidates are contesting the by-elections.

Approximately 9.3 million voters will cast their vote in Sunday’s by-elections in 7,489 polling stations across the country, of which 1,727 polling stations have been declared sensitive.

40,000 army personnel will be performing duties at polling stations, while around 100,000 police personnel will be performing their duties on polling day.

According to ECP, army personnel will be posted inside and outside the polling stations to deal with any untoward situation. While ballot papers and other poll related material will be dispatched under the supervision of army personnel.