File photo of PTI chief Imran Khan. PHOTO: AFP
In a pre-recorded message played before the media in Lahore, Khan said that they were demanding a recount in four constituencies, but the election commission should verify the votes with fingerprints.
He said the party had reservations over the results of 25 National Assembly seats.
Protesters in Karachi and Lahore have been demonstrating since May 12 against the results of the general elections. The protesters allege that rigging took place and polling at some stations was purposely delayed.
The PTI chief said that this was the first time the country had seen such a high turnout and the election commission should investigate the allegations or the people would be disappointed.
‘Will work with Nawaz Sharif to resolve major issues’
Imran Khan said that despite the differences between him and Nawaz Sharif, both had agreed to work together to resolve major issues being faced by Pakistan. He said terrorism was one of the biggest issues that needed to be resolved.
“I have spoken to General Kayani as well, we all want solutions to these problems.”
‘Chance to make a modern province’
Khan said that this was the first time PTI had been given the chance to form a government, and they had the opportunity to make Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa a modern province.
COMMENTS (39)
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ
This thumb verification could only identify completely bogus votes. If the voter actually went through the entire voting process and rigging was done in the form of switching of his/her vote, this thumb verification will not hold ground; as the thumb prints on the ballot counter foil and verification sheet would be genuine and the vote switched. The only way it could be totally verifiable was if thumb prints were used on the actual ballot paper.
I hope that PTI has considered this and selected the sample request accordingly.
I am 45 years old (not so youthful) & voted for the 1st time , in NA-49 Islamabad, there were long ques since 8.AM the people voted for PTI 70% and PML 30% , Till late night PTI candidate was winning with huge margin and I went to bed early morning than to my utter shock the PML-N candidate won when I woke-up please visit the area and see for your self. I have lost faith in the institutions of Pakistan, one had hoped this time elections were under the judiciary and that their was some hope now. The role of one major news outlet was so biased that some how one felt that they were the spokesperson of PML-N it was the most rigged election and can be compared with the countless Presidential Referendums in opinion of some honest journalists.** ECP has surely failed.
Footnote: during election night Mian sahib came on live TV and advised his benefactors inside and out side of Pakistan that he would need simple majority in parliament otherwise its of no use (read rigging). I think the whole nation saw it , now decide for yourself my dear Pakistanis was the out come rigged or you still believe otherwise.
Khan sb good luck in KPK Government but i afraid the man and his team who used fork lifter without looking into safety of themselves and other, how deeply they can think of handling of issues? God bless Khan sb and other politicians of Pakistan and give them courage and wisdom to work for the prosperity of people.
Verification by fingerprints is against the basic principle of secret vote. IK the great has no idea what he is talking about. Even if he gets four more seats he would still have lost.
Imran Khan demands recounting with thumb impression verification in NA-57 Attock , NA-125 Lahore , NA-110 Sialkot , NA-54 Rawalpindi.
Best solution: Election Commission should set up a Commission to enquire/probe irregularities !!!!!!!!!!!
Commissions are the most effective (read evasive).
ECP was fully involved in the rigging in Karachi, i doubt it will take any decent steps to rectify it!
NA 239,Na 256,Na 250,NA 252 in Karachi..all were rigged
This would violate voter privacy. Imagine the consequences if you could tell who voted for whom!
@ustaz:
That is possible only if there is an electronic voting system like in India. ECP should have rented Electronic Voting machines from India. A person can scan their thumb on the machine which compares it is data base in real time. There are ways to conduct fair elections if one wants to.
I have few questions Why did EC took thumb prints on each vote cost. Is there a system which can flag a thumb print if it appears more than twice. When we get our passport is our thumb print is authenticated against the one in database..
A valid demand although i am quite surprised to see the lack of audit and accountability in regards to the votes cast. This should had been done before demanding for this as it is about the fate of the country. This can give assurance to the people of the country that the electoral process is clean. Just surprised with the ill manner of the ECP. Also, u don't need to match all thumb impressions we can use statistics and number of techniques to sample out of the population of votes in different constituencies even i was surprised to see the lack of technology used in the electoral process for verification which can be quite cheap and convenient. Allah know what the fate of this nation will be but looking at it currently seems very much gloomy. This election was no more than a joke with the people of Pakistan.
@Ali: Each voter has already given the finger print to NADRA...
This man has ignited the nation! and this fire is not about to go out anytime soon
@nazia: seriously....??
Fair enough demand. Its the future of the country. Why shouldnt we be concerned about it
@Ali, They are not asking to fingerprint each voter. They're asking the ECP to compare the fingerprints on the ballots to thats voter's fingerprints in NADRA's database.
@topic - I think it is a very valid request. Should be paid heed. If other parties are confident in their victories, they shouldn't have a problem with this.
@Umer Iqbal: " Get well soon captain."
Do you think he is really unwell?
justice we need now or never
Fingerprinting EACH voter?! That is not even logistically possible!
Get well soon captain.
It could be done scientifically by sampling, and if any discrepancies are found then declare these constituencies null and void, it is as simple as that.
Tribune has a serious problem. It is 25 NA constituencies and not 4.
The most likely solution to prove rigging. We have all witnessed rigging. MQM and PMLN shouldn't have any problem if they have done it all fair and square.
My suggestion, NA 253, NA 252, NA 125 and Narrowal
C'mon all the (self proclaimed) righteous politicians of Pakistan... if u r true, u shudn't oppose this suggestion by IK
IK you're Revolutionist you give people and make them understand how to fight against their own rights. We're with you IK,
Love for Punjabis Pathans Balochis Sindhis Muhajirs/Urdu Speaking and all other Pakistanis
from Karachiet
Which 4 constituencies ? but its a good start all pakistan need is resolution of main issues, irrespective of who resolves.
Yes but which 4 constituencies is he talking about?
their should be re-election in pakistan under this system.
Other parties only have to lose if they DID indulge in rigging. If not, then they too should support this demand, it will only help support democracy.
Looking forward to PTI rule in KPK! Very proud moment for all Pukhtuns like myself!
Imran khan,s demand is genuine and logical, Election Commission should take quick action to resolve this issue amicably otherwise situation may turn into ugly state.
It is the duty of the ECP to satisfy Imran Khan and uncounted PTI supporters i the country, and therefore, recounting should be done by ECP as desired by IK.
Very fair demand .
They might not have a majority after this but they sure will get justice if the senile ECP shows some decency. The irony would be for the "movement for justice" to not get any justice themselves, and that too when they are only beginning to find ways to help others get it. FYI, for the clever children in class: there's no difference in the meaning of 'adl' and 'insaaf' as neither of the two words mean unjust equality that disregards preexisting conditions or circumstances. Also, neither of them are translated as anything other than "justice" in English. Therefore, to confuse concepts and try a play on words to concoct philosophies and further foreign vested interests is idiotic, at best.
more strength to you khan
Reasonable request by the PTI - take a sample, and if that shows rigging then steps need to be taken to rectify the situation.
Goodluck KPK people and best of Luck for Lahoris and Karachiite .. It looks like a dream that ECP consideres re-polling .. ! though we all want it , but nothing is happening .. the another party has EATEN our votes and we are helpless just protesting, nothing else... ! Is this the value of vote of grown up, mature, educated Pakistani ?