Certified election form a critical right: IHC

ECP tells court it has ordered relevant RO to provide PTI leaders with Form 45, 47

ISLAMABAD:

The election oversight authority has informed the Islamabad High Court (IHC) that it has instructed the relevant returning officer (RO) and the provincial election commissioner to provide forms related to the results of the February 8 general elections to certain PTI leaders.

The IHC on Wednesday resumed hearing petitions filed by PTI members Shoaib Shaheen and Salman Akram Raja, challenging the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) for not providing certified copies of Form 45 and Form 47.

During the hearing, IHC Chief Justice Aamer Farooq remarked that obtaining certified copies of the forms is a fundamental right of the applicants.

"Some contempt of court allegations have also been made against you. It will be regrettable if contempt of court proceedings are initiated against you due to such a trivial matter," Justice Farooq addressed the ECP officials.

The ECP official informed the bench that the election oversight authority has instructed the concerned RO and provincial election commissioner to provide the applicants with certified copies of the forms.

Shaheen confirmed that he had been provided with the forms.

"I have not yet checked them. Our request is that forms for provincial assembly constituencies should also be provided along with those for the National Assembly. According to the law, the ECP is obligated to provide forms," he added.

Form 45 is utilized by the Presiding Officer (PO) at each polling station to record the results of the count. It contains details such as the total number of registered voters, the number of votes polled for each candidate, and any rejected ballot papers.

After completing the counting process, the PO fills out Form 45, which is then signed by the PO, the polling agents, and the ECP's observer, if present. Copies of Form 45 are provided to the polling agents present at the polling station.

Form 47 is used to account for the ballot papers issued to each polling station. It includes details such as the total number of ballot papers received, used, unused, spoiled, and rejected.

It is filled out by the PO and is also signed by polling agents and the ECP's observer. It helps ensure transparency and accountability in the management of ballot papers during the electoral process.

These forms play a crucial role in ensuring the integrity and transparency of elections in Pakistan by providing an official record of the voting process and results at each polling station.