Imran questions authenticity of by-polls under 'tainted' ECP officials
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LAHORE: Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf Chairman Imran Khan said that the officials of Election Commission under whom the elections were rigged in 2013 have again been assigned to conduct the polls, thus putting a question mark on the authenticity of upcoming by-polls.
He said this while addressing a rally in Lahore ahead of the by-polls in NA-122 constituency.
The PTI chief said that this time the army personnel will monitor the polling process in NA-122, and not just the polling process but they will also monitor the transfer of voting bags to ECP.
Imran further said that this time around Chaudhry Mohammad Sarwar has given training to PTI’s polling staff on how to stop PML-N people from doing poll-day rigging.
“Our sources have informed us that PML-N is planning to do rigging at women’s polling station, but let me make it clear upon them that PTI’s tigresses will not let them succeed in their nefarious designs,” he said.
While taking a jibe at the PML-N, Imran said that since their leaders are all hiding behind stay orders from court, he should better call them ‘stay order league’ instead of N-league.
Our main focus is not on bringing out people on voting day, but we are more concerned about how to stop poll-rigging, said Imran.
“It all started with me demanding PML-N to open four constituencies. Was it an unjust demand?” he questioned.
Mentioning corruption as the main hindrance in the country’s development, Imran said that currently scores of cases are lying pending in Punjab’s National Accountability Bureau, but the incumbent government is not letting them prosecute those cases.
“If these 180 or so pending cases are prosecuted then it result in bringing back billions of rupees to the national exchequer, thus benefitting the country’s economy,” he asserted.
Polling for NA-122, Lahore, is due on Oct 11 and the PTI has fielded former provincial minister Abdul Aleem Khan against PML-N's candidate and AyazSadiq.
The ECP is setting up 284 polling stations for by-polls in NA-122. There will be 673 polling booths, for male and female voters, in the constituency. The election commission has also decided to deploy personnel of Pakistan Rangers Punjab in the upcoming bye-election in the constituency.
Read: Security advisory for NA-122 candidates
Punjab election commission's tribunal on Aug 22 had ordered re-polling in NA-122, declaring the election in the constituency null and void – accepting PTI Chairman Imran Khan's petition challenging the 2013 election result.
National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq had defeated Imran Khan in the 2013 general elections from NA-122 after which PTI had challenged the results.
NA-122 was among the four controversial constituencies — the other three being NA-110 (Sialkot), NA-125 (Lahore) and NA-154 (Lodhran) — where PTI had demanded for voters’ thumbprint verification in the hopes of finding a solution that might be acceptable to all concerned.
It is to be mentioned here that proceedings of Imran Khan’s petition remained suspended for a year. The Lahore High Court on Nov 4, 2013, had granted a stay to the NA speaker against the proceedings before the tribunal. The court on Nov 20, 2014, recalled the stay order and allowed the tribunal to proceed with the case.
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Comments (62) Closed
Oct 04, 2015 08:50pm
There is a need for ECP reform where everyone knows it is fair. Learn from India how to make changes in ECP.
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Oct 04, 2015 08:50pm
IK is desperate to come into power by hook and crook. He has collected rejected people from different parties with the aim at winning elections. No rules, principles and ethics. IK has become part of the system. Where is new Pakistan.
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Oct 04, 2015 08:51pm
I liked Aleem Khan's speech as i watched that Jalsa live on TV. PTI was able to highlight election rigging, corruption and other basic issues in Lahore. Seems like PTI candidate is strong and stands a good chance in this by-election.
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Oct 04, 2015 08:52pm
I am not a big supporter of Imran Khan but I believe he can make Pakistan better. He will try his best to change relationship with India , We won't see the the sort of Pakistan we want like unbiased Police , more universities, Solving problem related education under PPP or Nawaz. Note it will take time but at least after 10 years we will see the fruit !
How media hyped PPP against Musharaf and what happened during their 5 years period ! Nothing special is happening under Nawaz just because of Oil prices are getting low cause someone wants to Pressurize Iran and Russia doesn't mean we are progressing ..
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Oct 04, 2015 08:58pm
Long live Pakistan. Long live Imran Khan. We Pakistanis have only one hope left for a better future.
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Oct 04, 2015 08:59pm
Election voting should be fair and officials should be impartial.
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Oct 04, 2015 09:05pm
Go nawaz go
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Oct 04, 2015 09:09pm
PTI is going to lose this election very badly because, thousands of voters have been registered in NA 122 they don't even belong to Lahore. I'm trying to convey my message to PTI leadership but, i don't know i can do this. Pre-poll rigging at it's peak.
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Oct 04, 2015 09:10pm
by-poll result will be a controversy again whoever losses - Pakistani politic style in every elections
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Oct 04, 2015 09:11pm
IK is not the only one asking the question, we as voters are also thinking of the authenticity and sanctity of our votes in these people's hands. Rest assured nobody is listening.
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Oct 04, 2015 09:13pm
In that case IK/PTI should just do the honourable thing and not contest the elections.
That would be a far better and more powerful strategy, instead of contesting, losing and blaming it on rigging.
Alternatively, if IK/PTI are keen on contesting the elections, they must agree to accept the result regardless of the outcome.
By making this statement, IK/PTI are effectively asking for two bites of the same cherry. That can't be right.
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Oct 04, 2015 09:13pm
IK will not be satisfied unless PTI candidate wins the race
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Oct 04, 2015 09:21pm
If PTI wins from NA122 on 11th October 2015,then we have to believe that there was rigging in this constituency and it will be morally binding on the ECP and present Central Government to announce general election to be held in near future with due consultation.
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Oct 04, 2015 09:29pm
So blame game has already been started for the election which has yet to take please; not a good sign
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Oct 04, 2015 09:30pm
If Imran Khan will win then it is oke, but if he looses then ECP corrupt as hell.
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Oct 04, 2015 09:30pm
Mr Imran even tough i support you but at times you talk in a stupid manner. This same ECP conducted the elections in KP and you won and you accepted the decisions whole heatedly. Why this hypocrisy when it comes to elections in Punjab? When you win then it is alright but when you lose then it is dhaandli and ECP is to be blamed?
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Oct 04, 2015 09:33pm
how far a man can go for power???
I pity PTI supporters.
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Oct 04, 2015 09:45pm
Imran khan is the only hope of good governance in Pakistan. let's all vote for PTI!!!
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Oct 04, 2015 09:51pm
The answer to all the problems faced today can only be resolved by the people. The corrupt politicians will not do any thing that is not in their favour.
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Oct 04, 2015 09:54pm
Not concerned about bringing out people on polling day? OK.
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Oct 04, 2015 09:55pm
I am sure some one will say don't contest elections under this tainted ECP. but we will and win despite all odds.
wait and watch how.
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Oct 04, 2015 09:57pm
IK - The only honest and non-corrupt politician around. Fighting for our rights selflessly.
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Oct 04, 2015 10:04pm
So Indian and Jewsih lobby has started questioning about election commission through Imran Khan? Mr Raheel enough is enough, as a matter of security intesrest now concrete action needs ti be taken against taliban supporters, besides Taliban.
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Oct 04, 2015 10:06pm
now people will say Imran is saying same rubbish again and again, this is called consistency and consistency is key to success
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Oct 04, 2015 10:08pm
What are you saying? election commision is not good, so why are fighting for NA-122 under same electon commission. Why ECP officials did not make trouble in case of KPK elections? Why ECP officials became pious in case of KPK? Why don't you answer it?
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Oct 04, 2015 10:10pm
In the presence of rangers you accepted results in Karachi nd Haripur,. Why did't you riase concern in case of Haripur and Karachi? why did not you mention before elections in Haripur that ECP officials are biased? Same here why are you questioning ECP officials when rangers are controlling it? Rangers are biased indirectly you want to say.
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Oct 04, 2015 10:12pm
Anyone knows that anomalies should be there at each polling station. IK and PTI did well to challenge the results of some crucial constituencies. Election tribunals validated the PTI claims but in almost all cases Supreme court cancelled ET decisions. Who is right SC or ET????
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Oct 04, 2015 10:13pm
Pakistani nation questions the authencity of PTI, while they are being supported by Jewish and Indian Lobby. Pakistani nation also questions authencity of PTI when tehyr support Taliban. How cruel, letting KPK people die in thenhnads of Taliban, but still npot ready to condemn Taliban. How can he, afterall Indian and Jewsih lobby will stop funding if Imran Khan speak against Taliban. Imran Khan questions ECP, oooh, we have to see this day? He needs ot be investigated and all his affairs as well.
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Oct 04, 2015 10:14pm
This time? everytime army personnel monitor it. we are also hearing that PTI workers will be dressed as PML N workers and then create trouble that will be recorded and would be used as a source to malign the elections, once Ayaz Sadiq wins.
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Oct 04, 2015 10:16pm
Was that a flop Jalsa!!!
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Oct 04, 2015 10:19pm
Please question Imran Khan's performance in KPK, ECP officials. A person is brave enough to call into question the integrity of others, with zero performance.
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Oct 04, 2015 10:28pm
This topic is "boring"
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Oct 04, 2015 10:38pm
Pakistanis don't accept any decision, what is new
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Oct 04, 2015 10:38pm
Pathetic, this guy has lost his charm
I m not convinced of his arguments
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Oct 04, 2015 10:41pm
It is good to have a process such as election under close supervision in order to protect ordinary people's rights. However, heavy reliance on institutions like army clearly shows a complete breakdown of vital institutions that run the country. Unfortunately Pakistan has been brought to this sad stage by a series of greedy corrupt politicians.
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Oct 04, 2015 10:52pm
You nailed it Khan
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Oct 04, 2015 11:12pm
instead of making baseless accusation, mud sledding and name calling, what are your plans, what have you done so far as a politician to make a better Pakistan. During all these years you have not deliver a single debate in National Assembly on any important issue.
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Oct 04, 2015 11:12pm
@M. Naeem Paracha-UAE IK was the only captain who won matches for Pakistan even when the umpires were not neutral on the cricket field. He doesn't trust ECP for transparency but has trained his team under Chaudhary Sarwar to counter rigging of the rival party. The field will not be left open for PMLN or any other party. ECP officials were not pious in KPK local bodies election. ECP made management blunders in the local body elections for which IK offered to hold re-election. Re-election took place in certain areas of KPK after which all parties in the province got satisfied. Your questions have been answered and have been answered previously but the PMLN propaganda doesn't understand logic.
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Oct 04, 2015 11:15pm
@M. Naeem, Mohtram! What else could he do? If he boycotts these elections, people like you will blame that it is an excuse for running away from an 'obvious defeat'. By the way it is an established fact now that the EC failed to conduct a free and fair election; even the opponents of IK are of this opinion.
As for KPK, it is obvious that if EC was involved in rigging in favour of N League, it would be in Punjab. It is sheer nonsense to argue that if EC is biased one should stop trying and exposing them.
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Oct 04, 2015 11:27pm
If PTI won, they will claim we did it. otherwise blame ECP. this is different khan from the one I voted for.
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Oct 04, 2015 11:39pm
This is the real test of PTI to win elections under odd-conditions. N-League will never give you smooth sailing, especially in Lahore. You have to prove your mettle against all odds if you claim you have public support with you.
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Oct 04, 2015 11:43pm
Imran Khan, don't these corrupt people let go away with more corruptions.
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Oct 05, 2015 12:00am
@M. Naeem Paracha-UAE I don't quite get your point, I think you are confused.
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Oct 05, 2015 12:12am
IK is back again, to mislead us.
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Oct 05, 2015 12:18am
@paracha jee.
thora sah le lo.
:p
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Oct 05, 2015 12:31am
IK Not just fighting Status Quo Leaders but the Status Quo of people as well, who have given up on change learned to live with the System are afraid of change.
IK we are with you!!!
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Oct 05, 2015 01:37am
In that case IK/PTI should just do the honourable thing and not contest the elections.
That would be a far better and more powerful strategy, instead of contesting, losing and blaming it on rigging.
Alternatively, if IK/PTI are keen on contesting the elections, they must agree to accept the result regardless of the outcome.
By making this statement, IK/PTI are effectively asking for two bites of the same cherry. That can't be right.
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Oct 05, 2015 02:22am
@M. Naeem Paracha-UAE ...About EPC not good is not by IK but Judicial Commission has raised this objection with 40 allegation on EPC because of mismanagement, lack of coordination, flaws, lapses, and extra ballots printing which amount election not fair free and transparent in our language Dhandli. KPK election werte done prior to report of JC. Why IK is fighting election in Lahore under same ECP? The answer is that should resign, but NS wants to keep it for an other dhandli. PPP is gone out, field is not left free for PMLN. ON Oct 11..... I hope U will accept this answer.
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Oct 05, 2015 02:51am
Institutions are gradually improving with the election process. Now we are having elections under the independent EC, care taker govts, independent judiciary,ruling parties losing elections in their own provinces, independent media. These developments have increased people confidence in the election process and no party now dares to boycot the election. Their hue and cry about rigging is their political slogan only to pacify their supporters when they lose the election.
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Oct 05, 2015 03:01am
IK is always talking about rigging but never talks about how he will make the country progressive.He is putting pressure on the ECP to scare them and force rigging in PTI`s favor and that will be acceptable to him.
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Oct 05, 2015 03:20am
PTI- IK is not sincere, imagine if he becomes PM.
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Oct 05, 2015 04:32am
Imran Khan has become one of the biggest disappointments of my adult life...
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Oct 05, 2015 04:46am
You sir need serious help. That U turn name is starting to make sense even more now. Never should've voted for you!
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Oct 05, 2015 05:55am
If you are certain that this election will be rigged then why are you contesting IK and PTI? Instead demand for an end to this corrupt and incompetent government of PML-N.
In addition a humble advice keep Reham Kham out of it. She costed PTI big time in GB. Learn from mistakes. One personal blunder of IK is hurting PTI big time.
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Oct 05, 2015 06:04am
@Daood .. You are just a troller... Go do something constructive for a change
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Oct 05, 2015 07:32am
Never seen Pakistan thus colorful
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Oct 05, 2015 07:34am
Mr. Khan you have said -- "The PTI chief said that this time the army personnel will monitor the polling process"-- So please sit back and watch the out come; why creating a ruckus all the time.
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Oct 05, 2015 07:47am
Pti is losing support fast. 90% comments are against him. Problem is IK is surrounded by yes men and turn coats who only please him with what he wants to hear to cement their own position in the party.
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Oct 05, 2015 07:49am
Have to get rid of corrupt politician to move country forward, these people have destroyed national institutions for their personal gains. There is no future for country with tried and corrupt leaders. Time is there for change and give them lesson, they can make fool of people sometime but not all the time
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Oct 05, 2015 08:12am
@Ihsan
Well I sort of agree with your regarding your reference to IK performance in Parliament. He had been too pre occupied discrediting ECP. In any civilised political system . ECP would have resigned ages ago as soon all the political parties alleged rigging including those who appointed them , but this was not to be . We especialize in corruption. We are ready to manufacture , strategise and import it to any nation willing to buy it or even send one of our expert politicians to them as a trainer.
I live abroad and really don't care about corrupt political system here. I really don't know if IK will ever rule the country , all I know is that the country is going to the docks because of bad politicians and the voters who do not use their votes sensibly because of mass illiteracy.
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Oct 05, 2015 08:27am
We love Imran Khan.... He is sincere to Pakistan, on the other hand these so called leaders have looted Pakistan...... Now its time to change the leadership.... I hope Imran Khan would win this upcoming elections.......
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Oct 05, 2015 09:13am
But he said this parliament came into power through rigging.And he is so desperate to get his corrupt aleem khan in the parliament.Might be thats his place where corrupt get together.
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