HARIPURP, NOV 30 (APP/DNA): The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has strongly dismissed what it termed “baseless and misleading” allegations made by certain elements attempting to create controversy over the recent NA-18 Haripur by-election.
In an official statement on Sunday, the Commission clarified that claims regarding the appointment of the District Returning Officer (DRO) and Returning Officer (RO) being part of a conspiracy were entirely unfounded. The ECP explained that due to staff shortages during general elections, it is not always possible to appoint ROs and DROs from within the Commission, but in by-elections such appointments are made as per requirement. For the NA-18 by-poll, officers already posted in the same area were appointed, fully in accordance with the Elections Act, 2017.
The Commission noted that these appointments were made well before polling day and no objections were raised by any party until after the results were announced. “Raising accusations only after losing the election is unjustified,” the ECP stated.
Addressing further allegations, the Commission said that if any Returning Officer had refused to accept an application, the concerned party should have approached the ECP, but no such complaint was filed. Similarly, no formal request for stopping consolidation or initiating a recount was made either to the RO or the Commission within the stipulated time.
Terming the claim of pre-prepared Form-45s as “completely incorrect,” the ECP emphasized that all Presiding Officers and polling staff were provided by the provincial administration, not federal institutions. The same provincial staff submitted polling bags and results to the RO’s office, while security arrangements were also managed by the provincial government.
The Election Commission said that repeatedly leveling unfounded allegations after every election only aims to undermine the electoral process. Any party wishing to challenge the results should approach the Election Tribunal, which is already functional, instead of making media statements.
Reaffirming its commitment, the ECP said it conducted the NA-18 by-elections strictly in accordance with the Constitution and the law, and will continue to uphold transparency and legality in all future electoral exercises.
