In a talk show on a private TV channel, Mr. Ishaq Khan Khawkwani, PTI leader from NA-168 Vehari, levelling a charge on the Commission that there was difference in what had been announced in the court by the Commission and the written order
Islamabad, the 24th May, 2013:- In a talk show on a private TV channel, Mr. Ishaq Khan Khawkwani, PTI leader from NA-168 Vehari, levelling a charge on the Commission that there was difference in what had been announced in the court by the Commission and the written order. In this regard, it is stated that the Election Commission of Pakistan received a number of applications to the National Assembly constituency NA-168 Vehari by Mr. Ishaq Khan Khawkwani. First application dated 14-05-2013 received regarding violation of Rules during polling process dated 11-05-2013 in the above said constituency. The matter was heard by the Election Commission and recounting was ordered vide its order dated 15.5.2013.
2- Mr Khakwani filed another application seeking direction of DRO Vehari to allow examination of all the record i.e. the counterfoils of the ballot papers, result sheets prepared by Presiding Officer, count of vote, rejected votes and the total books issued to each polling station and the return of the unutilized ballots. The Commission accepted his application and vide its order dated 17.5.2013 inter alia directed the DRO to allow Mr. Khawkwani to inspect all the documents which are available on record. After recounting process was completed by the DRO, he sent report to the Election Commission dated 20.5.2013, which was completed in the following words:
“What has been discussed above, the undersigned is of considered view that there happened to be no discrepancy at all in the recounting and inspection of documents which could be suggestive to hold that there was any rigging in the process of polling held on 11th May, 2013 in constituency NA 168 Vehari-II.”
3- On 21.5.2013 Mr. Khawkwani filed third application under section 103AA of Representation of the People Act, 1976 seeking declaration of the poll held in the said Constituency as void and direction issued for re-poll in the whole Constituency. The above application of Mr. Khawkwani was heard by the Commission on 22.5.2013 and the same was disposed of with the following observations:
“The Commission has gone through the report in detail. We find full chance was given to the petitioner by the District Returning Officer to examine each and every document minutely. The objections raised by the petitioner were adequately dealt with by DRO petitioner failed to point out any irregularity, which can persuade us to order re-poll or change the result. Election Tribunal can take notice of all these points at the time of hearing, if an election petition is moved before it. We are certain that the Election Tribunal shall with promptitude deal with these cases.”