The Election Commission of Pakistan on Monday refuted allegations pertaining to rigging during the February 8 general elections, acknowledging the occurrence of a few irregularities.
In a statement, the electoral watchdog acknowledged that it does not deny the occurrence of a few irregularities and that relevant forms were available for investigation. “Immediate decisions are being taken on complaints filed,” it added.
However, the election commission said, the electoral process was peacefully organised despite ‘difficulties and issues’. The ECP noted that conducting the elections smoothly was a ‘major operation’ which was completed successfully.
Referring to the delay in election results, the election commission said that the suspension of mobile services on February 8 created some hindrances in the sending of electronic data by presiding officers.
According to the election commission, the first result of elections 2024 was received at 2am compared to the 2018 election result which was received at 4am.
“Except for some constituencies, the results of the elections were completed within one-and-a-half days,” the statement said, adding: “The delay in results in some constituencies did not benefit or harm any specific political party.”
The polling was held for 265 seats of the National Assembly and 590 seats of provincial assemblies.
