May 11, 2008	Sunday	Jamadi-ul-Awwal 5, 1429

SAHIWAL, May 10: Election Commission of Pakistan, Punjab Tribual, on Saturday admitted the writ petition filed by a Pakistan People’s Party candidate from PP 222 (Sahiwal-III) against 32 people, including the returning officer concerned, alleging rigging and irregularities in Feb 18 polls.

The petition was filed invoking sections 52, 53 of Representation of the Peoples Act 1976.

The petitioner, Syed Amjad Bokhari, was declared runner up against Jalal Din Dhakko, a PML(Q) candidate.

According to unofficial results declared by local returning officer, Mr Bukhari was defeated by a margin of 3,351 votes. However, he had refused to accept the result.

He had alleged there was a difference of 741 vote between the registered and the polled votes.

He at that time demanded recounting of votes, sealing of records of 36 polling stations and an inquiry into other irregularities. His demand was also supported by three other losing candidates from the constituency.

District returning officers had rejected the appeal and after three days announced the result.

The returning officer concerned, seven contesting candidates from PP 222, 10 presiding and assistant presiding officers of different polling stations, 11 union council nazims and chairperson of the district public safety commission, are the respondents in the petition.