PTI Demands Chief Election Commissioner’s Resignation Over Alleged Election Rigging

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), the political party founded by Imran Khan, has called for the immediate resignation of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikandar Sultan Raja, accusing him of failing to prevent widespread election rigging during the February 8 polls. Following a meeting with PTI’s founder in Rawalpindi’s Adiala jail, PTI leader Barrister Gohar Ali Khan addressed journalists, stating that CEC Raja’s tenure has been marred by controversy and his continued presence undermines the credibility of the electoral process.

The demand for CEC Raja’s resignation comes amidst growing discontent among several major political parties, including PTI, over the alleged irregularities and discrepancies observed in the election results. The February 8 elections marked a significant moment in Pakistan’s political history, with parties contesting vigorously for parliamentary seats across the country.

Highlighting concerns over the transparency of the electoral process, Barrister Gohar emphasized the importance of issuing election results in accordance with Form 45, a critical document for verifying the authenticity of polling data. He stressed that PTI’s repeated calls for transparent elections were disregarded by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), which failed to fulfill its mandate effectively.

Furthermore, Barrister Gohar demanded a thorough investigation into the conduct of the February 8 elections, citing alarming allegations of result manipulation made by former Rawalpindi commissioner Liaquat Ali Chatha. He urged authorities to ensure the safety of Chatha and his family, considering the potential risks associated with his revelations.

The demand for CEC Raja’s resignation gained further traction during a Senate session, where Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Senator Mushtaq Ahmed echoed PTI’s sentiments. Senator Ahmed condemned the ECP’s alleged failure to uphold the principles of transparency and fairness, labeling the elections as “fake” and warning of dire consequences for the country’s democratic integrity.

Accusing the ECP of committing treason by mismanaging the electoral process, Senator Ahmed called for legal action against CEC Raja under Article 6 of the constitution. He criticized the ECP’s utilization of significant financial resources from the national exchequer, arguing that the commission’s inability to ensure transparent polls warranted severe repercussions.

As political tensions escalate and allegations of election rigging intensify, Pakistan’s electoral landscape remains fraught with uncertainty, casting doubts on the legitimacy of the recent electoral outcome.