PS-21 by polls: Opposition calls on CEC to probe 'rigging'

Opposition parites allege ruling party rigged by-polls. PPP denies, claims NPP harassed voters, polling staff.

KARACHI: As the euphoria surrounding  the December 4, PS-21 by-polls in Naushahro Feroze subsided, allegations and counter allegations have started pouring in from winners and losers.

According to unofficial results the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) candidate Sarfarz Shah won the election. But before the official results are announced, controversy is rife over massive rigging.

On Friday, the opposition parties in Sindh Assembly went to election commission office and requested the Chief election Commissioner Justice (retired) Fakhruddin G Ebrahim to withhold result of the by-polls. During their meeting with the chief election commissioner at his Karachi office, National Peoples Party (NPP) leader Murtaza Jatoi presented evidences including video clips in which PPP workers were allegedly rigging the by-election under the nod of state machinery.

Meanwhile the ruling party hit back with counter-allegations.

PPP Sindh General Secretary Taj Haider said that not only had the opposition parties rigged the election, but also harassed voters and polling staff.

After the meeting, Jatoi told the media that the chief election commissioner had assured them for justice. “We are hopeful the Justice Ebrahim will take notice of the evidences we have presented.”

On the other hand, Haider refuted rigging allegations and claimed that opposition parties including PML-F, NPP and convener of Save Sindh Movement Jalal Mehmoood Shah tried to hijack their votes using different tactics.

“NPP candidate Syed Abrar Shah harassed our male and female polling agents,” Haider alleged, adding that the PPP has been following the code of conduct prescribed by the election commission.

“We have also submitted proof and are looking forward seeking response from chief election commissioner,” he concluded.