The Election Commission of Pakistan has dismissed allegations of rigging in the recently concluded elections in the country, emphasizing that it successfully overcame significant challenges in organizing the polls. In a statement released on Monday, the ECP addressed concerns raised by many regarding the timely conduct of the elections and asserted that the Commission ensured they proceeded as scheduled.
Highlighting the complexities faced, the Commission explained that it not only had to safeguard election materials but also prioritize the safety of election staff, especially in the context of recent acts of terrorism. The ECP defended its decision to prioritize safety over expeditious result transmission, stating that risking lives for quick results would have been inappropriate.
The statement emphasized that impartiality was maintained, with no favoritism towards any political party, even in regions where challenges were encountered. The ECP acknowledged that while the Election Management System functioned well from the Returning Officer’s office, presiding officers faced difficulties using the EMS app due to disruptions in mobile signals. This led to the physical travel of officers to RO offices, causing delays in result transmission.
Furthermore, the ECP clarified that the first result in 2018 was transmitted at 4 am, whereas in 2024, the first result was transmitted at 2 am. Expressing gratitude to the government and law enforcement for their support in organizing the elections, the ECP rejected rigging claims and assured that it is addressing minor complaints received during the electoral process.
