The ECP observed on Monday that it will be issuing an interim order today regarding the stay on releasing the final results for NA-15 Mansehra. The electoral watchdog heard PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif’s plea against election results from the seat. He has contested PTI-backed independent candidate Shahzada Gustasap Khan’s success from the constituency following the Feb 8 elections.
The hearing was chaired by Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja. The CEC observed that the ECP cannot continue the stay for an indefinite period. “Sometimes you are late, sometimes you don’t come prepared,” the CEC reprimanded Nawaz’s lawyer. Earlier during the hearing, the former premier’s counsel told the ECP that they had still not received the RO’s [returning officer] report. PTI-backed candidate’s counsel Babar Awan however argued that, “We won with a margin of 25,000 votes.”
