ECP takes 'strict notice' of Saad Rafique's remarks

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Khwaja Saad Rafique expressing his reservations against the ECP. —DawnNewsTV
Khwaja Saad Rafique expressing his reservations against the ECP. —DawnNewsTV

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) took 'strict notice' of Khwaja Saad Rafique's remarks whereby he claimed he was in the lead "by around 6,000 votes" in Lahore's NA-131 constituency and objected to the delay in the release of results.

Rafique had also remarked the "sleeping commission should wake up" and take action against alleged rigging.

"It takes only five minutes to upload the results on the RTS. Why is it that out of 242 polling stations, results from 52 are still awaited?" he inquired adding that he and his workers had witnessed a few stationary vehicles containing polling materials which seemed to be in no hurry to move.

He also claimed that the ECP had failed to supply a list of overseas Pakistanis and that the party had to approach the Lahore High Court for an order.

According to a press release issued by the commission, "strict notice has been taken of Khwaja Saad Rafique's remarks".

The ECP notice observes that "no candidate has the right to interfere or exert pressure on presiding officers and returning officers performing their duties".

It also states that the commission will not tolerate any intrusion by any political party or candidate.

Listen to his complete tirade here.

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