By Asim Hussain
ISLAMABAD: The country’s chief election commissioner (CEC) has asserted that the general elections were conducted with 100% transparency, expressing confidence that the election results will be accepted by all individuals and parties.
“The election process was transparent and peaceful, with polling proceeding without any interruptions, and no citizen was prevented from casting their vote,” Sikandar Sultan Raja said on Thursday while addressing the media outside the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) building in the federal capital.
Referring to the closure of telephone and internet services in various parts of the country, he said in areas affected by such closures, the concerned presiding officers will personally deliver Form 45 to the returning officer (RO).
“The form will automatically be received by the RO after it is uploaded in the Election Management System (EMS) once the service is restored,” he clarified.
Raja stated that the ROs are required to announce the results by 2 am on Friday, although announcements may occur earlier if possible.
He said if an extension is requested by two o’clock, it can be granted according to the law. “Time was extended at three polling stations in Gujarat because the relevant ROs had requested it,” he noted.
Regarding the closure of mobile phone and internet services due to security threats, Raja clarified that the ECP’s mandate does not include issuing directives for their restoration. However, he assured that the internet shutdown would not affect the ECP system.
“The commission stands fully prepared. The elections will be fair and transparent. Voters should freely cast their votes for the candidate of their choice. Elections are a national obligation, and we all should play our part. The ECP is as robust as before,” he affirmed.
He said the decision to shut mobile phone and internet services was made by the security institution in response to recent terrorism incidents in Balochistan.
“The commission can make recommendations but cannot interfere in security matters. We will not issue directives for the restoration of telephone and internet services,” he stated, adding that he learned about the closure of these services through the media.
