ECP replaces RO for 'unauthorised' symbol change
Pakistan
The RO was removed after confirmation of favoritism and misuse of authority
ISLAMABAD (APP) – The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has replaced the Returning Officer/Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) in NA-44, Dera Ismail Khan for “misusing” authority and making “inappropriate” changes to election symbol (of his favourite candidate).
According to an official statement, after reports of favoritism and misuse of authority by the officer, it was confirmed that the electoral symbol of a candidate had been allegedly changed without proper authorisation.
The ECP replaced him with Syed Gulfam Abbas Shah, Additional Deputy Commissioner (F&P) of Dera Ismail Khan.
The commission directed the Chief Secretary of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to suspend the officer and report the matter to the Establishment Division.
Moreover, the commission constituted a three-member inquiry committee, headed by the Provincial Election Commissioner of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, to conduct a thorough investigation into the RO’s actions and submit its report within six-days.
MINORITY CANDIDATES
Meanwhile, the ECP unveiled the ultimate compilation of minority seats in the National Assembly.
The list consists of candidates from different parties – 10 representing the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), five the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F), two the Tehreek-e-Labbaik (TLP), seven the People’s Party (PPP), four the Jamaat-e-Islami, and three the Mutahidda Quomi Movement (MQM).
