NATIONAL NEWS
ISLAMABAD: Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja described Sunday’s by-elections as calm and orderly, saying the process wrapped up without major disruptions. He remarked that subdued voter participation was unsurprising, as turnout in by-polls typically depends on a range of circumstances.
Addressing journalists at the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) headquarters, the CEC expressed gratitude to both the Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa administrations for their cooperation and logistical assistance in ensuring a peaceful polling day.
Raja attributed the low voter interest partly to the predictable nature of the contests, noting that the by-elections did not significantly alter the political balance among competing parties.
He confirmed that District Returning Officers had shared their reports with the ECP and that the commission had examined some minor complaints filed throughout the day. However, he stressed that nothing of a serious or exceptional nature had been flagged.
The CEC also revealed that PML-N leader Talal Chaudhry has been summoned for a hearing regarding an alleged breach of the electoral code during campaigning in Faisalabad.
Raja reminded the media that the ECP had previously disqualified both a minister and a candidate during local government elections for similar violations, underscoring the commission’s adherence to legal and procedural requirements.
He concluded by noting that electoral irregularities are not unique to Pakistan, as such challenges emerge during polls in many countries. The ECP, he said, continues to provide recommendations to the government aimed at refining and strengthening the election process.
Read more: https://nayakashmir.com/punjab-by-polls-pml-n-dominates-as-pti-backed-candidates-lag-behind/
