ECP suspends returning officer for being ‘partial’

ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has suspended a returning officer from Okara after an investigation over complaint proved that the officer was ‘partial’ [towards a political group].

According to reports, the action was taken against the RO on a complaint to the Okara District Returning Officer, who agreed that the RO concerned was not impartial.

Meanwhile, six polling officers were arrested a day ago after they were found to have allegedly tampering with postal ballot papers in PS-80 Sehwan and NA-233 (Kotri-Sehwan) constituencies.

Caretaker Sindh Chief Minister Fazlur Rehman took notice of the matter and sought a report from Jamshoro Deputy Commissioner Shazia Abbasi and SSP Bashir Brohi.

In a similar action, the ECP has also suspended four officers of the Punjab government, including a DSP, for misusing their official position by participating in a political campaign.

Police officers as well as presiding officers, who will perform election duties, took oath on Sunday to maintain neutrality during the election process.

The oath taking ceremony was held in the federal capital where district returning officers administered the oath.

According to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), a total of 1.6 million staff has been deputed for poll duties across the country. While 85,307 presiding officers, 510,356 assistant presiding officers, and 255,178 polling officers will render their services on the Election Day.