PTI backed former PML-Q leader defeats PML-N’s Ashraf Warraich who had been victor in constituency before tribunal ordered re-election in 33 polling stations
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)-backed Nasir Cheema turned out victorious after unofficial results emerged from Gujranwala’s constituency PP-97, de-seating Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N)’s Ashraf Warraich, who had been the victor in the constituency before a tribunal ordered re-election in 33 polling stations.
According to unofficial results from all 33 polling stations, PTI’s Cheema bagged a total of 10,405 votes while PML-N’s Warraich could secure 9,966 votes.
Earlier on Sunday, the polling process at the PP-97 constituency’s 33 polling stations in Ghakkhar Town and Qila Dedar Singh areas of Gujranwala city ended before Iftar.
PML-N candidate Ashraf Warraich and PTI candidate Nasir Cheema were the main contenders for the re-polls, with around 52,550 voters registered in the said 33 stations.
Strict security measures were taken to maintain the law and order situation during the elections with more than a thousand policemen deployed in the area to avert any untoward incident.
Some scuffles were reported from various spots in the city and arrests were also made, however, overall the security situation remained under the control of law enforcers.
Meanwhile, security officials have arrested PML-N leader Zahid Inayat aka Tumma Butt for trying to enter a women’s polling station during the by-election in the PP-97 constituency.
While polling was under way in as many as 33 polling stations of PP-97 in Gujranwala, Butt attempted to enter the polling station after arguing with police personnel. As soon as returned from the polling station, the security staff took him into custody and shifted him to the Gakhar Police Station for further investigation. However, later he was released on bail.
PML-N’s Warraich had won the seat from the constituency during the 2013 general elections. Nasir Cheema, who was then affiliated with the Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q) and later joined the PTI, had challenged the results in an election tribunal while levelling rigging accusations against his opponent.
Cheema had alleged that his rival had managed to cast 15,000 bogus votes in his favour. Cheema’s counsel had also presented the record of 33 polling stations before the tribunal.
In its ruling over the case, the tribunal, headed by Justice (r) Kazim Ali Malik ordered the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to hold fresh polls in the 33 polling stations.
After cancellation of results from the 33 polling stations, PML-N’s Warraich and PML-Q’s Cheema were left with 16,250 and 17,124 votes respectively.
However, in the current scenario, the then independent candidate Mian Ghulam Sarver withdrew in the favour of PML-N’s Warraich while PML-Q’s Cheema switched to PTI.
All anti-PML-N forces, including the Pakistan People Party, Jamaat-i-Islami and Pakistan Awami Tehreek, are also backing Cheema.
Interestingly, Cheema who is now a member of PTI contests with the mark of cycle, instead of bat as the ECP didn’t change the electoral marks of candidates.
Warraich had joined the political arena in 2002, when he contested in NA-98 constituency from the platform of PML-Junejo group. He bagged 21,207 votes but failed to win the seat. Later he joined the PML-Q and then switched to PML-N.
In 2013, he contested the polls PP-97 constituency and managed to secure a victory. Cheema belongs to a family politically traditionally associated with PML-N. His elder brother Azam Cheema was elected MPA four times on the PML-N’s ticket.
Cheema himself remained district president of PML-N during 1985 to 1995. Later, he switched his loyalties to PML-Q and was elected as a MPA in 2004. He had also contested the 2008 general elections but remained fail to win a seat. He later joined PTI.
