The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has taken a significant step in addressing allegations of electoral irregularities by establishing a high-level committee to investigate the claims made by Rawalpindi Commissioner Liaquat Ali Chatha. This decision comes after Chatha resigned from his post in protest against the alleged rigging, highlighting the seriousness of the issue.
According to a report by Dawn, the committee will consist of senior officials from the Election Commission, including the secretary, special secretary, and additional director general of law. Their mandate is to thoroughly examine the allegations and gather evidence by recording statements from returning officers and district returning officers. The committee has been tasked with submitting a comprehensive report to the commission within three days.
The ECP has made it clear that it will consider taking legal action, including contempt charges, against the Rawalpindi commissioner based on the findings of the committee’s report. This underscores the commission’s commitment to upholding the integrity of the electoral process and ensuring accountability for any irregularities or misconduct.
Notably, officials from the Election Commission attended the proceedings in person, while Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja and Punjab ECP member Babar Hasan Bharwana participated virtually, as reported by ANI. This demonstrates the seriousness with which the ECP is approaching the investigation and its determination to address the allegations transparently and effectively.
It is important to contextualize these developments against the backdrop of Pakistan’s 12th national general election, which took place on February 8. The election was marred by allegations of rigging and disruptions, including the shutdown of cellular and internet services in certain areas. These challenges have raised concerns about the fairness and transparency of the electoral process and the need for robust oversight and accountability mechanisms.
In response to Chatha’s allegations, the Election Commission of Pakistan issued a statement strongly refuting the claims and affirming its commitment to conducting free, fair, and transparent elections. The ECP emphasized that neither the chief election commissioner nor any election commission official had issued instructions to manipulate election results. Furthermore, it clarified that divisional commissioners are not appointed as returning officers or presiding officers and do not directly oversee the conduct of elections.
However, in light of the seriousness of the allegations and the potential impact on public trust in the electoral process, the ECP has pledged to conduct a thorough inquiry into the matter. This demonstrates the commission’s willingness to address concerns raised by stakeholders and ensure accountability for any wrongdoing or misconduct.
Following his resignation, Liaquat Ali Chatha expressed regret over the alleged irregularities and acknowledged the gravity of the situation. He admitted to converting losers into winners with significant margins and apologized to the returning officers in his division. Chatha’s candid admission highlights the need for transparency and integrity in the electoral process and underscores the importance of holding individuals accountable for any attempts to undermine the democratic process.
Overall, the establishment of a high-level committee to investigate allegations of electoral irregularities in Pakistan underscores the ECP’s commitment to upholding the integrity of the electoral process and ensuring accountability for any misconduct. As the investigation unfolds, it is essential for the commission to maintain transparency, impartiality, and fairness to uphold public confidence in the electoral system.
