ISLAMABAD, April 21 Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Justice (retd) Hamid Ali Mirza on Wednesday dismissed a petition seeking declaration of bye-elections for PP-111, Gujrat, as void and for re-polling in the constituency.

The petition was filed by Mian Imran Masood, who alleged massive rigging and irregularities after losing the election.

The CEC, rejecting the petition, said that the allegations were outside the remit of the commission.

According to sources, the brief order dictated by the CEC in his chamber advised the petitioner to seek remedy from the Election Tribunal.

The CEC gave no hint as to what would be the fate of the petition and merely said “I have heard both sides. Let me see in my office what to do.” Many believed that the judgment would be reserved.

Four contesting candidates appeared before the CEC, complaining about scanning machines that had been placed at polling stations by the Punjab government without the permission of the Election Commission.

They said the introduction of machines disturbed voters and thousands of them could not exercise their right to vote.