ISLAMABAD: A two-member bench of the Election Commission of Pakistan rejected the request of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz seeking to nullify the PP-38 by-election held in July.
A neck and neck contest between the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf and the PML-N on July 28 resulted in the win of the ruling candidate, Ahsan Saleem Baryar, who defeated the opposition candidate, Tariq Akhtar Subhani, by a margin of 7,000 votes.
The seat had fallen vacant after the death of Subhani’s father, PML-N MPA Chaudhry Khush Akhtar Subhani.
In a petition submitted to the body, Subhani sought a forensic audit of the ballot papers, counterfoils and biometrics used in the Sialkot constituency.
He alleged there was a great difference in forms 45 and 46 and it showed rigging in the election. He said a thorough inspection of polling material was required and the thumb impressions on ballot papers and counterfoils were needed to be audited.
Signatures of presiding and assistant presiding officers on forms 45 and 46 were also different casting doubts on the credibility of the polling, he claimed.
Subhani said he had attached enough evidence in favour of his demand to open the record of ballot papers and counterfoils and it was his constitutional right to challenge the election within 60 days of the polling.
He had urged the ECP to ensure justice and declare the election void.
