SWABI: Candidates of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz and Awami National Party here have accused Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf leaders of violation of election code of conduct and urged the Election Commission of Pakistan to take notice of the matter and ensure fair polls.

A tough contest is expected among PTI, PML-N and ANP leaders in NA-19, Swabi-II, PK-46, Swabi-IV, and PK-47, Swabi-V. Tarakai family leaders have won from the area in the previous two general elections.

Shahram Tarakai will contest election from PK-47 and his two uncles, Mohammad Ali Tarakai and Usman Tarakai are the PTI candidates in PK-46 and NA-19, respectively. The main allegation against Tarakais is use of their financial position to influence voters.

PTI leaders accused of influencing voters

PML-N candidate Ijaz Akram Bacha has also written to the district returning officer, provincial election commission and district election commission, stating that despite specific directions of the ECP installation of the solar power panels in mosques in PK-47 was still in progress.

He alleged that Mr Shahram was trying to influence the election process through different tactics.

ANP’s Ameer Rehman, who is contesting election from PK-47, alleged that both PML-N and PTI had violated the election rules and demanded action against them.

Talking to mediapersons, he alleged that leaders of the rival parties had adopted a strategy to collect identity cards of people and pay them for votes.

“AT present the price paid for one vote is Rs5,000, but in the coming days it might go up to Rs10, 000,” he claimed.

Waris Khan, ANP candidate in NA-19, alleged that it was not the first time that the Tarakai leaders were using their financial position in the elections.

When contacted, Mr Shahram rubbished the allegations and said that actually anxiety prevailed in the camps of rival parties because they were clearly seeing their defeat in the coming election.

He said the officials concerned should visit their constituencies to probe the allegations. He said that PTI candidates would contest the elections on the basis of performance of its government.

Published in Dawn, July 7th, 2018