On Friday, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) took a significant step by announcing the removal of the returning officer (RO) for the NA-19 constituency in Mansehra. This decision follows the recent electoral contest where former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif faced defeat at the hands of a PTI-backed independent candidate, Shahzada Gustasap Khan.
The electoral watchdog’s move involved replacing Hajra Sami, the previous RO, with Zakir Jadoon for the National Assembly constituency. This change comes in the wake of heightened scrutiny and legal challenges surrounding the election outcome in NA-19.
Notably, Nawaz Sharif, a three-time former prime minister, contested the election in NA-19 Mansehra but could not secure victory against Shahzada Gustasap Khan, who garnered support from the PTI. Sharif swiftly responded to his defeat by filing a petition on February 10th, contesting the election results and raising concerns about the integrity of the electoral process in NA-15 Mansehra.
The decision to replace the RO underscores the ECP’s commitment to ensuring transparency and fairness in the electoral process. By appointing Zakir Jadoon, the ECP aims to address any potential issues or discrepancies that may have arisen during the conduct of the election in NA-19.
The removal of the RO and the subsequent appointment of a new official reflect the ECP’s responsiveness to concerns raised by stakeholders and the broader public regarding the integrity of the electoral process. As the legal proceedings and electoral disputes unfold, the ECP remains steadfast in its efforts to uphold the principles of democracy and safeguard the sanctity of the electoral system in Pakistan.
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