In its reply to the General Election Inquiry Commission (GEIC), Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Friday denied Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q) allegations regarding alleged systematic rigging in the last general elections.
The ECP rejected the PML-Q allegations that the elections were rigged with the help of lower judiciary and returning officers (ROs). The ECP in its response stated that the change of ROs did not prove systematic rigging in the General Elections 2013. The rigging could only be proved with evidences and rigging cannot be proved by allegations, it added.
The PML-Q had alleged that ROs did not allow candidates and their polling agents to sit during counting of votes.
In its public hearing on Thursday, the GEIC directed political parties to submit additional documents and other material regarding alleged electoral rigging till noon today. The political parties were also directed by the commission to assist in the inquiry to formulate methods for further proceedings.
On Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and Jamaat-e- Islami (JI)’s request, the commission also issued notices to Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz and Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), asking them to file their responses.
The commission will hold its next meeting on Monday.