CJ, CEC brush off rigging allegations

SC opts to keep its hands off accusations; ECP forms high-level probing panel

In the eye of a political tempest sparked by the Rawalpindi commissioner, Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa and Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikander Sultan Raja on Saturday defended themselves against the allegations while shrugging off the "baseless accusations".

Moreover, the ECP, in a late night meeting, decided to form a high-level committee to investigate the Rawalpindi commissioner’s allegations.

The chief justice said that tossing them around without a shred of truth or evidence "doesn't carry any weightage," while the CEC formed a high-level meeting.

The remarks came hours after Rawalpindi Commissioner Liaquat Ali Chatha kicked up a political storm, claiming that the chief election commissioner and the chief justice were “also completely involved” in alleged election rigging.

In a casual interaction with media personnel in Islamabad on Saturday, the CJP said: “Someone can blame me for theft or murder tomorrow. If hurling allegations is your right, give me evidence along with it too.”

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court opted to keep its hands off the allegations of election rigging hurled by the Rawalpindi commissioner at CJP Isa, deciding against taking suo motu notice.

Reliable sources told Express News on Saturday that this decision was reached after a consultation among the judges, including CJP Isa, himself.

The allegations, which involve CJP Isa’s purported involvement in poll rigging, were expected to be deliberated upon during a scheduled hearing in an election-related case on February 19.

Sources suggested that there is a possibility of the Rawalpindi Commissioner's case being considered within the framework of this pre-arranged case.

A consultation meeting chaired by CJP Isa was reportedly convened to address the accusations made by the Rawalpindi Commissioner.

Justices Muneeb Akhtar, Yahya Afridi, Ayesha Malik, and Athar Minallah were also present during the deliberations. Following a careful examination of the allegations, the participants decided against taking suo motu notice on the matter.

Also read: Rawalpindi commissioner resigns from post after confessing to 'poll rigging'

ECP forms probing committee

The ECP decided to establish a high-level committee to investigate the rigging allegations.
Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikander Sultan Raja called for an emergency meeting of the ECP following the serious allegations made by Chattha.

In a press release following the meeting, the ECP disclosed that the allegations were thoroughly discussed, leading to the decision to form a committee headed by a senior member of the commission to scrutinise the claims.

The committee will also include the secretary, special secretary, and additional director general of the law department, as outlined in the statement.

“The committee will take statements from Rawalpindi’s District Returning Officers (DROs) and Returning Officers (ROs) and is expected to submit a report to the commission within three days of being notified,” the statement detailed.

The ECP further specified that based on the committee’s findings, legal action and contempt of ECP proceedings might be initiated against the former commissioner.

Earlier in the day, the electoral watchdog commission refuted the allegations made by Rawalpindi Commissioner Liaquat Ali Chattha against the chief election commissioner and the ECP.

“No official from the ECP issued any instructions to Commissioner Rawalpindi to manipulate election results,” stated the release issued soon after the commissioner’s press conference.

“It is important to note that the commissioner of any division is not the DRO, RO, or presiding officer and does not have a direct role in conducting the elections,” it emphasised.

Nevertheless, the electoral watchdog will promptly initiate an inquiry into the matter.

الزامات لگانا حق ہے مگر اس کے ساتھ ثبوت بھی پیش کرنا ہوتا ہے، چیف جسٹس#ExpressNews #BreakingNews #QaziFaezIsa pic.twitter.com/REeqO5WBpT

— Express News (@ExpressNewsPK) February 17, 2024

SCBA deeply concerned

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) has demanded the election commission conduct a transparent investigation into the allegations.

A statement issued by the SCBA stated that Commissioner Liaquat Ali Chattha has tried to make the office of chief justice controversial, adding that the CJP has no role in the conduct of the elections.

“Executive Committee of the Supreme Court Bar Association of Pakistan have expressed deep concern and anguish over the statement issued to the media by the Commissioner Rawalpindi division whereby he tried to involve the Chief Justice of Pakistan in the allegations of rigging in the general elections,” the statement, available with The Express Tribune, read.

It stated that the SCBAP considers the statement of the Commissioner to be a “malicious attempt to raise a controversy qua the esteemed office of the Chief Justice of Pakistan” which is regrettable and intolerable”.

The SCBA noted that it is a matter of common knowledge that neither the SC net the Chief Justice of Pakistan has any concern with the entire electoral process which is within the exclusive domain of the ECP.

“The SCBAP however considers that in the wake of allegations of serious rigging, the matters need to be taken up by the ECP and the same should be fairly inquired into and remedial steps must be taken to address the grievances of the contesting candidates.”

It further pointed out that large-scale allegations qua the integrity and transparency of the election results certainly call for an urgent and thorough investigation which is the constitutional duty of the ECP in terms of Article 218(3) of the Constitution.

The SCBAP urged the ECP to perform its constitutional obligations to take all possible steps to ensure the integrity of the electoral process. In light of these developments, it urged all political parties and stakeholders who feel aggrieved by the election results or alleged rigging to exercise restraint.

“It is essential to prioritise the preservation of democracy and to avoid any actions that could potentially derail the democratic process in the country. Furthermore, the SCBAP is of the view that the importance of adhering to the provisions outlined in the Elections Act of 2017 is essential at this point of time,” the statement said.

Any grievances stemming from election results should be addressed through legal channels and under established election laws/ rules as well as democratic norms. In these critical times, it is essential that the integrity of the electoral process is preserved and, the will of the people is respected so as to uphold democracy and stability in the country.