A delegation of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) held a meeting with newly elected Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), Justice (retd) Sardar Muhammad Raza, and presented five demands.
The demands included reconstitution of Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), investigation into alleged vote rigging, publication of ECP’s report on performance of election tribunals, constituency-wise data of printing of extra ballot papers and resignation of ECP provincial chiefs to ensure a ‘fair and transparent’ inquiry into 2013 election rigging.
The five-member PTI delegation comprised of Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Shireen Mazari, Dr. Arif Alvi, Hamid Khan and Saifullah Niazi.
Moreover, issues regarding the loss incurred due to usage of magnetic ink, variant contrasting statements of ECP over printing of ballot papers and power of ECP over Returning Officers (ROs) were brought to notice.
Shah Mehmood Qureshi suggested to introduce biometric systems and methods of electronic voting that would ensure transparency so people may know that their vote can bring change.
He further said that the parliamentary committee has been working on electoral reforms but since none of PTI members could be a part of the committee, they would present their suggestions, which could be implemented if deemed plausible.
Referring to the tribunals he said it is the responsibility of tribunals to ensure timely verdicts but there have been delays adding that it took Hamid Khan 1.5 months to get polling bags identified and more so there still are a few missing bags whereas Ayaz Sadiq’s reservations over NA-122 depicts his bad intent.
Access to the details of Form 14 and 15 is the due right of the state citizens whereas ECP must also have access the details, he added.
