NA-71 by-election: ECP dismisses PTI's claim of rigging in Mianwali

Imran Khan called to record his statement regarding rigging in NA-122.


Web Desk October 22, 2013
PTI leaders denounced the by-election as rigged last month. PHOTO: INP/FILE

LAHORE: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) dismissed Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) claim that the by-election held in NA-71 Mianwali was rigged, Express News reported on Tuesday.

Last month, PTI had filed a petition with the ECP challenging the victory of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz’s (PML-N) Obaidullah Shadi Khel with claims of rigging in NA-71.

Obaidullah had won with 69,799 votes while Malik Waheed managed to attract 56,504.

PTI had accused the federal and Punjab governments of committing vote fraud in the constituency, submitting video recordings of allegedly rigged polling at different stations as evidence.

They had also claimed that their original candidate for NA-71 Ayla Malik, was kept out of the race through connivance with the Rawalpindi Board of Education, which raised objections to her degree.

Accusing the returning officer (RO) from NA-71, provincial government officials, ministers and members of provincial and the National Assembly of being complicit in the act, the PTI petition stated:

"The ECP should call upon inspection of record including ballot papers of by-elections besides getting the voters’ thumb impressions verified by NADRA."

The ECP dismissed the rigging claims and while hearing another case regarding alleged rigging in NA-122, called in the PTI Chairman Imran Khan for recording a statement on November 12.

COMMENTS (29)

Haris | 10 years ago | Reply

What is wrong with these people? ....Asking for Justice is whining? Seriously? Will you adapt the same attitude in murder and rape cases also i.e. the victim will be termed as whiner and cry baby after he will continuosuly pursue for Justice?

This issue is the most important issue of Pakistan and SC should take a notice of this immediately....Truth must be revealed ...2013 election was a complete mess and everyone knows about it. Why are video evidences not being accepted, and the difference between votes is also very small. This is uter tyrany with the state, and these dumb pti bashers have are acting completely senseless to the issue.

Babar | 10 years ago | Reply

All the major players and status quo is against PTI so why wouldn't ECP sides with them and rejects PTI claims ??? Does anyone in there right mind could ever believe that Imran khan can Loose against the so called ayaz sadiq from Lahore ???? and jahangir tareen was wining at night 30000 votes and by the morning he was declared Lost ... when will ECP open there eyes ??? I think the only way is to hit the roads now otherwise no chance of justice under these crooks ....

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