MANSEHRA: The runner-up candidate in PK-33, Kolai-Palas (Kohistan), has moved the Election Commission of Pakistan pleading it to withhold the official results of his constituency as his opponent had allegedly rigged elections in his favour in over 40 polling stations.

“I have moved ECP pleading it to first biometrically verify ballots cast in the name of women and even deceased persons before issuing the official results,” Jamaluddin told mediapersons on Friday.

Mr Jamal, who secured 6,357 votes and lost to independent Sardar Riaz, who polled 7,118 votes, alleged his rival even got the votes of deceased persons polled in more than 40 polling stations, thus turning his win into a defeat overnight.

“The votes of the deceased persons and those settled in Mansehra and rest of the Hazara division were polled by my rival in connivance with the polling staff,” he said.

Mr Jamal, who was backed by Batara Kolai Ittehad, said the polling staff didn’t dare restrict such illegal practice at some polling stations.

“As many as 315 postal ballots were reconsolidated in vote count in the names of polling staff, who didn’t own their signatures and stamps,” he said.

Mr Jamal said returning officer Ishtiaq Ahmad didn’t show up in his office since the polling day to receive poll-related complaints.

He said the ECP had summoned him on Feb 26 (Monday).

Published in Dawn, February 24th, 2024