Three more Returning Officers (ROs) on Thursday recorded their testimonies before the General Election Inquiry Commission (GEIC), probing alleged widespread systematic rigging in the 2013 general elections.
The Inquiry Commission further summoned three ROs who performed their duties during 2013 general elections in NA-171 Dera Ghazi Khan I, NA-130 Lahore-XIII and NA-157 Khanewal-II and would be cross-examined on Friday.
The GEIC, headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan Nasir-ul-Mulk, and comprising Justice Ejaz Afzal Khan and Justice Amir Hani Muslim, resumed hearing.
Meanwhile, during the course of proceedings, three ROs including NA-21 Mansehra-II, NA-119 Lahore-II and NA 125 Lahore-VIII recorded their testimonies.
The ROs submitted before the Commission that they had given their requirements for ballot papers, keeping in view the number of registered voters in their respective constituencies.
The ROs also apprised the Commission that submitting request for additional ballot papers, was due to rounding up of ballot papers and added that number of polling stations, polling booths and polling schemes were kept in mind at the time of sending request to Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).
The RO of NA 21 informed the Commission that there were 392364 registered voters in the constituency and 451300 ballot papers were printed.
He said that 48000 ballot papers were not distributed among Presiding Officers. He said that there were 238 polling stations and 857 polling booths in the constituency. He said that all used and unused election material was deposited in the treasury after election.
Sajjad Hussain Returning Officer for NA 119 apprised the Commission that there were 505570 registered voters in the constituency. He said that all the additional material was submitted in treasury.
Khalid Mahmood Bhatti Returning Officer for NA 125 told that there were 429115 registered voters in the constituency while he demanded 500000 ballot papers but 550000 ballot papers were provided by the Election Commission.
He said that as many as 226360 ballot papers were used on the election day.
He said that CCTV cameras were installed in the court room and lobby where election results were prepared.
The commission also issued notices to Jamaat-e-Islami and Muhajir Quomi Movement on the request of Mutthida Quomi Movement (MQM). The Commission also summoned MQM’s leader Dr. Farooq Satter on Friday to record his statement.
Later, further proceeding of the Commission was adjourned till Friday. (APP)
