SWABI, Feb 24: ANP MPA-elect from PF-36 constituency Sarfaraz Khan Jadoon retained his seat after recounting of votes and an independent candidate from PF-34 constituency was declared the winner here on Sunday.

The difference of votes polled by Mr Sarfaraz and runner-up independent candidate Amir Saeed reduced to 135 from 435 in recounting ordered by returning officer Shahbir Durrani.

According to the unofficial result, ANP’s Sarfaraz Khan had received 9,981 votes and Amir Saeed 9,546 votes. After recounting, Mr Jadoon’s votes reduced to 9,899 and Mr Saeed’s votes increased to 9,764 after inclusion of postal ballots, sources said.

They said 226 ballots allegedly double stamped by a clerk polled in favour of Mr Jadoon were considered valid. Earlier, a row had erupted over these votes. Mr Jadoon had said the votes had been polled for him and Mr Saeed had opposed it.

An FIR was registered against Afzal Khan, the clerk in the office of the returning officer, who was arrested by police when the row erupted after the seal of the bag containing the ballots was found broken.

The sources said seven teachers, including the presiding officer, had been produced in court and their statements had been recorded.

However, they were set free because the record they were holding was correct.