Election inquiry commission decides to open polling bags

Assigns task to district judges for obtaining copies of Form 15 of national and provincial assembly seats by June 8

ISLAMABAD: The judicial commission probing alleged rigging in the 2013 general elections has decided to open polling bags for obtaining the complete record regarding the use of ballot papers.

Form 15 is the ballot paper account prepared by the presiding officer that carries statistics about the number of ballot papers entrusted to him, and those taken out from the ballot boxes and counted, besides the number of tendered, challenged and spoilt ballots.

The three-judge commission headed by Chief Justice Nasirul Mulk on Wednesday held an in-camera meeting with major counsels of major parties counsel to discuss the option of opening polling bags for obtaining copies of Form-XV.

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After deliberations, the commission passed an order to obtain copies of Form 15 from the bags retained at the Treasuries on behalf of the ECP.

“All political parties agree that the task be assigned to the District Judges of the respective districts. They shall obtain copies of Form-XV, pertaining to the National Assembly and Provincial Assembly constituencies falling within their Districts. In case a constituency spreads over more than one District the senior of the District Judges in the concerned Districts shall perform the task,” states the order.

Judicial officers shall be duly assisted by the respective district election commissioners and its staff in the process, adds the order.

“For the said purpose ‘white’, ‘khaki’ and ‘blue’ bags containing the election material may be opened and no other bag be touched. Photostat copies of Form-XV for all polling stations be prepared and duly certified by the District Judges.”

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The commission has asked the district court judges that the Forms for each constituency shall be packed in separate packets and sent to the commission.

“In case Form-XV for any polling station is found missing or any seal of the aforementioned bags found broken, it be noted and reported accordingly.”

For tribal areas, the commission has given this task to the respective political agent in whose territorial jurisdiction a constituency falls, who shall be duly assisted by the agency election commissioner concerned.