The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Sunday dismissed allegations of rigging in the NA-18 Haripur by-election, calling the claims baseless and an attempt to cast doubt on the electoral process.
According to the 24NewsHD TV channel, in a detailed statement, the ECP said certain political actors were deliberately trying to manufacture controversy around the poll.
The Commission said accusations that the appointment of the District Returning Officer (DRO) and Returning Officer (RO) was part of a conspiracy were factually incorrect.
It noted that in all by-elections, ECP officers themselves are appointed to these positions, and the officials deployed in NA-18 were already serving in the same area.
The spokesperson added that no political party raised objections to their postings until polling day.
Responding to claims that Form-45s were prepared in advance, the ECP termed the allegation “false and misleading.”
It clarified that presiding officers were provided entirely by the provincial administration, which also managed security arrangements. Polling bags and results were likewise submitted to the RO office by provincial staff.
The Commission said repeating identical accusations after every election was an organised effort to cast suspicion on the democratic system.
It advised candidates and parties to approach the election tribunal if they had reservations about the results rather than levelling allegations through the media.
Reaffirming its position, the ECP said it conducted the by-election strictly in accordance with the Constitution and the law and would continue to do so in future electoral exercises.
Reporter: Usman Khan