ECP, K-P govt clash over rigging probe

Commission cites constitutional bar as K-P pushes inquiry in PK-79, PK-82

PESHAWAR:

A dispute has erupted between the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) and the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa government over investigations into alleged rigging in provincial constituencies PK-79 and PK-82.

The controversy began after the provincial Anti-Corruption Department launched an inquiry on the complaints of former provincial minister Taimur Saleem Jhagra from PK-79 and PTI leader Kamran Bangash from PK-82. The ECP, however, has termed the inquiry a violation of Article 225 of the Constitution and Section 139 of the Elections Act, 2017, calling it interference in the Commission's mandate.

In a letter addressed to the K-P Chief Secretary, the ECP stated that summoning election staff by the Anti-Corruption Department was unconstitutional. It maintained that all election-related disputes are the sole jurisdiction of election tribunals, and Jhagra's petition is already pending before the tribunal.

Responding to the ECP's objection, Advisor to K-P's Anti-Corruption Department Brigadier (retd) Musaddiq Abbasi rejected the Commission's stance. He alleged that the ECP was attempting to obstruct the inquiry into irregularities. Abbasi disclosed that during his role as an election observer in the 2024 polls, he compiled a report containing evidence of manipulation, noting that "a government of 17 seats was formed while those with 186 seats were deprived."

He further argued that the Anti-Corruption Department does not act unilaterally but only investigates upon receiving formal complaints. In this case, presiding officers were summoned after a legal review, and several confirmed that Form-47 had been tampered with.

Abbasi criticized the ECP for failing to conduct any inquiry into the matter during the past 18 months, yet issuing a letter within hours of the Anti-Corruption Department initiating its probe.

The standoff underscores deepening tensions between the ECP and the provincial government, raising questions over jurisdiction and accountability in investigating alleged electoral fraud.

When approached PTI's Taimur Saleem Jhagra said that he welcomed the statement of Anti-Corruption Advisor Musaddiq Abbasi and lauded the courage of two presiding officers who, despite pressure, recorded written testimony highlighting corruption and misconduct of senior officials.

He emphasized that the ECP had exceeded its jurisdiction by attempting to interfere in the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa government's investigation of misconduct. He argued that such inquiries fall strictly within the provincial government's domain and must continue without hindrance.