QUETTA: Protests against alleged rigging in May 11 elections continued on Tuesday in different parts of Balochistan as some political parties refused to accept the results.
The Balochistan National Party-Mengal (BNP-M) rejected results of various constituencies and demanded re-polling there.
BNP-M members launched protest rallies in Quetta and other areas of the province.
Protesters blocked the National Highway linking Quetta with Karachi for several hours on Tuesday.
Traffic on the road between Khuzdar and Karachi remained suspended for two days as protesters blocked the road by putting boulders and barricades on it.
Hundreds of vehicles, including passenger coaches and big containers carrying supplies for allied forces in Afghanistan, were stranded. The road was opened at 10pm on Tuesday.
BNP-M leaders Sardar Akhtar Mengal and Dr Jahanzaib Jamaldini alleged massive rigging in Quetta, Khuzdar and parts of Makran. They accused the establishment and some institutions of being involved in the alleged rigging. They said their party would not accept election results and they would continue their protests. They called upon the chief election commissioner to take notice of ‘massive rigging’ in Balochistan.
According to reports, a strike was observed in Dera Murad Jamali and some other areas of Nasirabad district on the call of the PPP. Shops remained closed and a protest rally led by PPP leader Sadiq Umrani was held in Dera Murad Jamali. Protesters marched on roads and staged a sit-in at DC chowk.
Addressing the protesters, Mr Umrani said the caretaker government had failed in holding free, fair and transparent elections. He alleged that in his constituency hundreds of his voters were not allowed to cast their ballots, adding that his polling agents were tortured by supporters of his opponent. He demanded re-election in PB-28 (Nasirabad).
In Quetta, the PML-N candidate for PB-2 (Quetta-2), Sehar Gul Khilji, took out a procession against alleged rigging in his consistency. He alleged that polling at some polling stations in his constituency continued till night under the supervision of security forces. The Ahle Sunnat Wal Jamaat and Muttahida Dini Mahaz have alleged rigging in the National Assembly seat NA 259 and demanded a re-election.
Syed Ehsan Shah, the vice-president of Balochistan National Party (BNP-A) has alleged rigging in his constituency, saying mandate of hisparty is being stolen.
Former federal minister Sardar Yar Mohammad Rind said all former records of rigging had been broken in the constituencies of NA 267 (Kachhi cum Jhal Magsi) and PB 30 (Kachhi), blaming officials for playing a role.
The Hazara Democratic Party rejected elections results in PB 2 (Quetta-1) and PB 6 (Quetta-6) and demanded re-polling there. The party organised a demonstration outside the press club.