The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has categorically rejected allegations of massive poll rigging by different political parties lashing out the authorities mainly for delay in results and suspension of mobile services on February 8.
In an official press release, the ECP acknowledged the presence of a few irregularities but emphasized that relevant forms were readily available for investigation.
The ECP pointed out that the suspension of mobile services on February 8 posed obstacles to the electronic data transmission by presiding officers.
The ECP acknowledged the impact on coordination and transport of election materials.
Highlighting the complexity of the electoral operation, the ECP stressed that conducting the elections smoothly was a significant undertaking that was ultimately successful.
It noted that the suspension of mobile services resulted in the first election result of 2024 being received at 2 am, in contrast to the 2018 election where results were received at 4 am.
The ECP asserted that, except for a few constituencies, election results were finalized within one and a half days. Importantly, it concluded that delays in certain constituencies did not favor or harm any specific political party.
The statement comes at the heels of a major development that unfolded the same day with arrival of a delegation from the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), including central information secretary Raoof Hasan and lawyer Umair Niazi in President House.
According to an official statement by the Presidency, the delegation briefed President Dr Arif Alvi on the alleged rigging.
