Election tribunal reprimands candidates
Election tribunal asked the election commission to hold the polls afresh. PHOTO: MOHAMMAD NOMAN/EXPRESS
The Election Tribunal for Rawalpindi has ruled that candidates facing accusations who have not surrendered before the court will not be permitted to enter the election arena.
The tribunal, hearing appeals against the rejection of nomination papers, emphasised that individuals with registered cases or proclaimed-offender status must surrender to competent courts before appealing rejection decisions.
Criticising returning officers for not providing certified copies of decisions to candidates after rejecting their papers, the tribunal questioned their commitment to the constitution and law, stating that such actions could impact the country's future.
The tribunal reprimanded the Returning Officer (RO) for Hazro, Attock, for delays in providing decision copies to former provincial law minister Basharat Raja and candidate Aftab Akbar.
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Former minister Basharat Raja and candidate Aftab Akbar had filed appeals for NA-55 Cantt Rawalpindi and PP-15. The tribunal questioned whether only the courts were responsible for upholding the constitution and law, expressing concern over the obstacles hindering the process.
The RO was instructed to adhere strictly to the law and provide the necessary copies. Despite the RO's explanation of difficulties, the tribunal demanded immediate provision of copies, and eventually, all copies were submitted.
In the case of NA-55, the RO did not appear initially, sending the assistant returning officer in his place. The tribunal reprimanded the assistant and insisted that the RO personally attend. The RO apologised upon appearing an hour later, and all copies were handed over to the former law minister in the courtroom.
Read Several more move tribunals over papers rebuff
Justice Chaudhary Abdul Aziz, the Election Tribunal Judge, asserted the tribunal's impartiality, stating that decisions would be based on merit without any affiliation to political parties, including PTI, TLP, and PPP.
The tribunal highlighted the importance of disqualifying individuals who are accused and have not surrendered to the court, regardless of conviction status.
The appeals of TLP's candidate Ashfaq from NA-60 and Aamir Khan's appeals from NA-89 Mianwali were dismissed with strict remarks, upholding the RO decision of disqualification.
Published in The Express Tribune, January 4th, 2024.