The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) rejected on Friday the interview and press release issued by a representative of the non-governmental organisation (NGO), Pattan, describing them as baseless and contrary to facts.
In a statement released by the ECP, the Commission confirmed that the interview and press release were part of a deliberate and organised campaign to defame Pattan and other national institutions.
According to the ECP spokesperson, after the general elections, forms 46, 45 and 47 were displayed on the website without any alteration. These forms remain available on the website to this day.
The spokesperson clarified that the parties involved had filed election petitions according to the law, and hearings were ongoing, with some decisions already rendered after listening to the parties’ positions.
The spokesperson further pointed out that voter turnout in the elections had been included in the ECP’s annual and post-election reports, which were being published as per the law.
On the matter of reserved seats for women and minorities, the spokesperson noted that it would not be appropriate to comment further.
The ECP, they stated, would make decisions based on the constitution and the law, and any party with evidence of irregularities should provide it to the affected parties, so the matter could be brought before the tribunals for due legal process.
The spokesperson also remarked that the Pattan organisation should have sought the ECP's position before publishing the report. The publication of the report without consulting the ECP demonstrated that it was part of a baseless and fabricated propaganda campaign.
Meanwhile, the spokesperson affirmed that the ECP would not be pressured by such tactics and would continue to perform its duties in accordance with the Constitution and the law.
