News
Thursday, May 16, 2013
ECP moves against alleged rigging in pollsISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) is mulling a proposal to verify thumbprints on ballot papers in the constituencies where rigging has been alleged.
According to media reports, the ECP has summoned National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) chairman for consultation on the matter and to finalise a strategy. ECP sources say that the commission has received several applications for verification of thumbprints, which prompted the electoral body to take up the proposal for consideration. On the other hand, NADRA has expressed its willingness to verification of thumb impression of voters of any constituency where election results have been disputed, but only upon directions of the election commission.
Meanwhile, the ECP has announced re-elections on May 21 at certain polling stations of three National Assembly and two provincial assembly constituencies. Re-elections would be held in NA 46 tribal area, NA 269 Khuzdar, NA 41 tribal area, PK 71 Bannu and PK 72 Bannu-II on May 21. Also, with slight difference in demands, the Muttahida Qaumi Movement and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) have agreed to re-election in the disputed constituency of NA-250. The ECP acknowledged the complaints of both the political parties who had alleged rigging and hijacking of political activities at several polling stations of the constituency.
PTI and Jamaat-e-Islami had raised the issue after other parties joined the chorus of rigging. However, the difference between PTI and MQM is the constituencies where they have demanded re-polling. PTI is demanding re-election all over Karachi while the MQM wants them in NA-250 only. The ECP has directed re-election in NA-250 constituency on May 19 at 43 polling stations of the area under the supervision of army. staff report/agencies
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk