- ECP says that media reports on the appointment of DRO/RO are baseless.
- ECP says that the Commission has not taken any such decision yet.
- PTI accused the appointment of retired officers for pre-poll rigging.
ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has rejected as baseless the claims of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) that the commission will appoint retired officers as District Returning Officers (DROs) and Returning Officers (Returning Officers) for the February 8 elections. Was appointing as RO). Reported contrary to facts news on Tuesday.
The ECP Media Coordination and Outreach Wing said in a statement issued on Monday that the watchdog has not taken any such decision yet.
“All media reports regarding the appointment of District Returning Officers/Returning Officers are baseless and contrary to facts. Misleading reports were published in the media regarding the appointment of retired officers as District Returning Officers/Returning Officers. The Commission has not taken any such decision yet,” the ECP spokesperson said.
He informed that ECP has written to the provincial election commissioners to share the list of DROs and ROs so that the updated lists can be finalized. This is an ongoing process in which the ECP considers the appointment of DROs and ROs as very important to ensure free, fair and impartial general elections.
“It is being looked at from different angles so that the general elections are fair and transparent. The Election Commission is well aware of all its constitutional responsibilities,” the Election Commission said.
PTI general secretary Omar Ayub had alleged in a post on X that retired officers were being appointed as DROs and ROs for pre-poll rigging, following which the ECP issued a statement.
Separately, PTI’s core committee warned that people would protest if their election mandate was stolen.
In its meeting, the Core Committee emphasized that the ECP has fixed February 8 as the date for the general elections in consultation with President Dr. Arif Alvi and under the supervision of the Supreme Court.
The party said fair elections are basic requirements for the supremacy of the Constitution, the rule of law, the restoration and stability of democracy, and the peaceful transition of power.
The party alleged that open interference by state institutions in politics against the Constitution and law is leading to the worst-ever electoral environment, while PTI’s “brutal campaign of atrocities and reprisals” against party leaders and workers continues without any stop- It is moving at a halt. Fear and consideration of the law.
The party argued that the Supreme Court should take suo motu cognizance of allegations of discriminatory state actions against PTI and ensure equal opportunities for all parties to participate in the elections.
