ECP rejects demand of CEC's resignation over 'rigging'

ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) Secretary Babar Yaqoob Fateh Muhammad on Tuesday categorically rejected the All Parties Conference’s (APC) demand of resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Sardar Muhammad Raza and its members over alleged election rigging.  

Speaking to media in Islamabad, the ECP secretary urged all the political parties to accept election results.

“Foreign observers and Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN) commended the conduct of the elections. If political parties have any grievance they should get it addressed through the ways provided in the Constitution,” he said.

He suggested that if a candidate has any complaint about the election he/she should adopt legal procedure.

The top official said: “No complaint about non-availability of election material was received. Women participation in the electoral process was hailed. Timely action was taken against violation of the code of conduct. All parties were provided level playing field.”

He said the elections were held in a transparent manner and commended the role of all institutions, including security agencies, in peaceful conduct of the polls.

The overall voter turnout was recorded at 52 per cent, he added.