Election Commission of Pakistan under scrutiny after rigging allegations

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) is facing a crisis of credibility after a senior official resigned and confessed to manipulating the results of the general elections held in February 2024. The ECP has launched a probe into the allegations and formed a high-level committee to investigate the matter.

     The scandal erupted on Saturday, when Rawalpindi Commissioner Liaquat Ali Chatha, who was also the district returning officer, submitted his resignation and admitted to tampering with the polling data. He claimed that he was pressured by some influential politicians and bureaucrats to change the votes in favor of certain candidates. He also alleged that the ECP's electronic system was hacked and the data was altered.

     Chatha's confession sparked widespread protests and unrest across the country, as the opposition parties and civil society groups demanded a re-election and an independent inquiry into the matter. They accused the ruling party of rigging the elections and stealing the mandate of the people. They also questioned the role and performance of the ECP, which is supposed to be an independent and impartial body responsible for conducting free and fair elections.

     The ECP, on its part, has denied any involvement in the rigging and expressed its commitment to uphold the integrity of the electoral process. It has set up a high-level committee, comprising of senior ECP officials and representatives of the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA), to probe the allegations and record the statements of the district polling officials. The committee is expected to submit its report within three days.

     The ECP has also sought the assistance of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) and the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to trace the source of the hacking and identify the culprits. It has assured the public that it will take strict action against anyone found guilty of violating the election laws and rules.

     The ECP has also appealed to the media and the public to refrain from spreading rumour's and misinformation about the elections and to wait for the official results and the findings of the investigation. It has urged the political parties and the candidates to respect the electoral process and to cooperate with the ECP in resolving the issue.

     The ECP has also requested the international observers and the media to share their observations and feedback on the conduct of the elections. The ECP had invited several international organizations and media outlets to monitor and cover the elections, which were held on February 8, 2024. According to the ECP, the elections were held in a peaceful and transparent manner, with a high voter turnout of 67 percent.

     The general elections 2024 were the third consecutive democratic elections in Pakistan, after the restoration of democracy in 2008. The elections were contested by 3,459 candidates for 342 seats in the National Assembly and 8,396 candidates for 728 seats in the four provincial assemblies. The ruling party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), claimed to have won the majority of the seats, followed by the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), and other smaller parties and independent candidates.

     However, the results of the elections have been challenged by the opposition parties and the civil society groups, who have alleged massive rigging and irregularities in the polling process. They have demanded a re-counting of the votes and a verification of the thumb impressions of the voters. They have also called for a nationwide protest and a boycott of the parliament until their demands are met.

     The rigging allegations have cast a shadow over the credibility and legitimacy of the elections and the ECP, which is the constitutional body entrusted with the task of ensuring free and fair elections in Pakistan. The ECP was established in 1956 under Article 218 of the Constitution of Pakistan, and consists of a Chief Election Commissioner and four members, one from each province. The ECP is responsible for preparing the electoral rolls, delimiting the constituencies, conducting the elections, and announcing the results.

     The ECP has faced criticism and controversy in the past as well, especially after the general elections of 2013, which were also marred by allegations of rigging and manipulation. The ECP had introduced several reforms and measures to improve the electoral system and to enhance its transparency and accountability. Some of these measures included the use of biometric verification machines, electronic voting machines, postal ballots, and result transmission system. The ECP had also issued a code of conduct for the political parties, the candidates, the media, and the observers, and had established a complaint management system and a monitoring and control center.

     However, despite these efforts, the ECP has failed to win the trust and confidence of the stakeholders and the public, who have questioned its independence and impartiality. The ECP has been accused of being influenced by the government and the establishment, and of being incompetent and inefficient. The ECP has also been criticized for its lack of transparency and accountability, and for its failure to address the complaints and grievances of the aggrieved parties and candidates.

     The current crisis has exposed the weaknesses and flaws of the electoral system and the ECP, and has raised serious concerns over the future of democracy and stability in Pakistan. The ECP has a huge responsibility and a challenge to restore its credibility and to ensure that the elections are fair and credible. The ECP has to take swift and decisive action to investigate the allegations and to punish the culprits. The ECP has to also take steps to reform and improve the electoral system and to enhance its transparency and accountability. The ECP has to also engage and consult with the political parties and the civil society groups, and to address their concerns and demands. The ECP has to also cooperate and coordinate with the other state institutions and the international community, and to seek their support and guidance.

     The ECP has a vital role to play in strengthening and sustaining democracy and the rule of law in Pakistan, which is essential for the peace and prosperity of the country and the region. The ECP has to fulfill its constitutional mandate and to uphold the will and the rights of the people of Pakistan, who are the ultimate source of power and authority in a democratic system.

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Senior Election Official in Pakistan Resigns Over Election Rigging Confession

Pakistan’s election commission launches probe into poll rigging allegations after official’s resignation

Pakistan: Election Commission sets up high-level committee to probe rigging allegations

Election Commission of Pakistan

Election Commission of Pakistan

#ECPProbe #PakistanElections2024 #RiggingScandal #DemocracyUnderThreat #VoteForChange #Pakistan #Elections #ElectionCommission #PTI #PMLN #PPP

PML-F leader files nomination forms for PS 23

Syed Ghazanfar Hussain Musavi, the leader of the Pakistan Muslim League - Functional (PML-F) in Sukkur district and the coordinator of the Joint Democratic Alliance (JDA), filed his nomination forms for the Provincial Assembly seat PS 23 on Friday. He was accompanied by a large number of PML-F officials and workers, who expressed their support and confidence in his candidacy. 

      He appealed to the voters to support him and the JDA in the upcoming election, and to reject the corrupt and incompetent rulers who had failed to deliver on their promises. He said that the PML-F and the JDA would bring a positive change in the province, and would restore the rights and dignity of the people.

      The PML-F is a nationalist and pro-Hurs clan political party, which is one of the factions of the Pakistan Muslim League. The party is led by Pir Pagara Syed Sibghatullah Shah Rashdi III, who is the spiritual leader of the Hurs, a Sufi order that fought against the British colonial rule. The party has a strong base in the rural areas of Sindh, especially in the districts of Khairpur, Sanghar, Nawabshah and Sukkur.  

     The PS 23 constituency covers the Rohri and Salehpat talukas of Sukkur district. It is considered to be a stronghold of the PPP, which has won the seat in the last three elections. The current MPA from the constituency is Syed Nasir Hussain Shah, who is also the provincial minister for works and services. He is expected to face a tough competition from Sayed Ghazafar Hussain Shah Musavi and other candidates in the next election.

     The election for the Provincial Assembly of Sindh is scheduled to be held on March 10, 2024, along with the National Assembly and other provincial assemblies. The election commission has announced that the nomination papers of the candidates will be scrutinized from December 25 to December 29, and the final list of candidates will be published on January 8, 2024

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Syed Nawab Mir Yaqoob Rohri: A Visionary Leader and a Descendant of Saints

 Syed Nawab Mir Yaqoob Ali Shah Rizvi Kotai: A Prominent Political Leader in Rohri

     Syed Nawab Mir Yaqoob Ali Shah Rizvi Kotai is a political leader and the chairman of the Municipal Committee of Rohri, a town in the Sukkur district of Sindh province, Pakistan. He belongs to the Rizvi Sadat family, which traces its descent from Hazrat Syed Ameer Muhammad Maki, a saint who came to Sindh from Iran in the 13th century.

Rohri is a historical town that is situated on the banks of the Indus River. It is known for its shrines, tombs, and archaeological sites. Syed Nawab Mir Yaqoob Ali Shah Rizvi Kotai is one of the influential figures who has contributed to the development and welfare of the town and its people. He has been elected as the chairman of the Municipal Committee of Rohri several times, and has initiated various projects and schemes for improving the infrastructure, sanitation, education, health, and security of the town.

Syed Nawab Mir Yaqoob Ali Shah Rizvi Kotai is also active on social media, where he shares his views and activities with his followers. He has a Facebook page. where he posts updates on his political work, as well as photos and videos of his visits to different places and events. He also has a YouTube channel .where he uploads speeches and interviews on various topics.

Syed Nawab Mir Yaqoob Ali Shah Rizvi Kotai is a respected and leader in Rohri. He has a vision of making Rohri a prosperous and peaceful town, and of serving the people with honesty and dedication.

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Sayed Ghazanfar Shah Musavi Rohri: A Leader for Change and Development in Rohri

Sayed Ghazanfar Hussain Shah Musavi

 Sayed Ghazanfar Shah Musavi Rohri is a political leader and activist from Rohri, Sindh, Pakistan. He is the president of the Pakistan Muslim League-Functional (PML-F) Taluka Rohri, a regional branch of the PML-F party. He belongs to a prominent and honorable family of Rohri, and is widely respected and admired by his supporters and followers. He is active on social media platforms such as Facebook, where he posts updates on his political activities and campaigns. He also leads a team of volunteers and workers who assist him in his social and political endeavors. He is a strong advocate for the rights and welfare of the people of Rohri, and strives to bring positive change and development to his area. He is a loyal and devoted member of the PML-F, and supports the vision and policies of the party leadership. He is a potential candidate for the upcoming elections, and hopes to represent the people of Rohri in the provincial or national assembly. He is a charismatic and influential figure in the political landscape of Rohri, and aims to serve his community and country with honesty and integrity.

• Sayed Ghazanfar Shah Musavi Rohri: A Leader for Change and Development in Rohri
• How Sayed Ghazanfar Shah Musavi Rohri is Transforming Rohri with His Political and Social Initiatives
• Meet Sayed Ghazanfar Shah Musavi Rohri, the President of PML-F Taluka Rohri and a Potential Candidate for the Next Elections
• The Life and Achievements of Sayed Ghazanfar Shah Musavi Rohri, a Prominent Political and Social Activist from Rohri
• Why Sayed Ghazanfar Shah Musavi Rohri is the Best Choice for Rohri in the Upcoming Elections

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The Rise of Muslim League Functional Sukkur: A Story of Sindhi Nationalism and Hurs Legacy

Muslim League Functional Sukkur: A Political Force in Sindh

The Muslim League Functional (MLF) is a political party in Pakistan that claims to represent the interests of the Sindhi people. The party is led by the influential Pir Pagara, a religious leader of the Hurs clan. The MLF is one of the factions of the Pakistan Muslim League, a historical party that played a key role in the creation of Pakistan. The letter ‘F’ in the party’s name stands for functional, indicating its pragmatic approach to politics.

The MLF has a strong presence in the Sukkur district of Sindh, a province in the south-east of Pakistan. Sukkur is the third largest city in Sindh and an important commercial and industrial center. The MLF has won several seats in the national and provincial assemblies from Sukkur, as well as local government positions. The party has also organized various rallies and events in Sukkur, such as a march with a 1000 feet long national flag on the Defense Day of Pakistan.

The MLF’s popularity in Sukkur is attributed to its loyal support base among the Hurs, a Sindhi Muslim community that follows the spiritual guidance of Pir Pagara. The Hurs have a history of resistance against the British colonial rule and the feudal landlords of Sindh. The MLF claims to uphold the legacy of the Hurs and their struggle for the rights and dignity of the Sindhi people. The party also advocates for the preservation of the Sindhi culture, language and identity.

The MLF faces competition from other political parties in Sukkur, such as the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), and the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM). The MLF has often formed alliances with other parties at the national and provincial levels, depending on the political situation. The MLF’s main agenda is to secure more autonomy and development funds for Sindh, as well as to protect the interests of the Sindhi people in the federation of Pakistan.

The MLF is a significant political force in Sukkur and Sindh, with a loyal and devoted following among the Hurs and other Sindhi communities. The party is led by Pir Pagara, a respected and influential religious leader who commands the allegiance of millions of Sindhis. The party aims to promote the welfare and prosperity of the Sindhi people, while maintaining a functional and pragmatic approach to politics.

• How Muslim League Functional Sukkur Became a Political Force in Sindh
• The Rise of Muslim League Functional Sukkur: A Story of Sindhi Nationalism and Hurs Legacy
• Muslim League Functional Sukkur: The Party of Pir Pagara and the Sindhi People
• The Role of Muslim League Functional Sukkur in Sindh’s Politics and Culture
• Muslim League Functional Sukkur: A Pragmatic and Nationalist Party in Pakistan

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• Pakistan Muslim League (F)
• PML-F
• PML (F)
• Pir Pagara
• Hurs clan
• Sindhi nationalist party
• Kingri house
• Grand Democratic Alliance
• Syed Sibghatullah Shah Rashdi III

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Political parties in Sukkur 2023

     Sukkur is a city in the Sindh province of Pakistan, and the headquarters of the Sukkur district. It is the third largest city in Sindh, after Karachi and Hyderabad, and has a population of about 1.4 million. Sukkur is also an important political hub, as it hosts several constituencies for the provincial and national assemblies.

The political landscape of Sukkur is dominated by two major parties: the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N). The PPP has a strong base in the rural areas of Sukkur, while the PML-N has more support in the urban areas. The PPP is led by Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, the son of former prime minister Benazir Bhutto and former president Asif Ali Zardari. The PML-N is led by Nawaz Sharif, the former prime minister who was ousted by a court verdict in 2017 and is currently in exile in London.

The PPP and the PML-N have been rivals for decades, and have alternated in power at the federal and provincial levels. In the 2018 general elections, the PPP won 76 out of 130 seats in the Sindh Assembly, while the PML-N won only two seats. The PPP also won four out of five seats in the National Assembly from Sukkur, while the PML-N won one seat. The PPP formed the government in Sindh, while the PML-N joined the opposition in the centre.

However, the political scenario in Sukkur may change in the upcoming 2023 general elections, as new challenges and opportunities emerge for both parties. The PPP faces the threat of losing its popularity among the masses, as it is accused of corruption, mismanagement, and nepotism. The party also faces internal divisions, as some of its leaders and workers are unhappy with the leadership of Bilawal and Zardari. The PPP also faces competition from other parties, such as the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), the ruling party in the centre, and the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), the urban-based party that has a strong presence in Karachi and Hyderabad.

The PML-N, on the other hand, hopes to regain its lost ground in Sukkur, as it tries to mobilize its supporters and attract new voters. The party also hopes to benefit from the return of Nawaz Sharif, who is expected to lead the election campaign of his party. The PML-N also hopes to capitalize on the public discontent with the PTI government, which is facing criticism for its economic policies, inflation, unemployment, and security issues. The PML-N also hopes to form alliances with other parties, such as the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F), the religious party that has a significant vote bank in the rural areas of Sindh.

The political parties in Sukkur are gearing up for the 2023 general elections, as they try to woo the voters with their manifestos, slogans, and rallies. The elections will be a test of the popularity and performance of the parties, as well as the aspirations and expectations of the people. The elections will also determine the future of Sukkur, as well as the fate of Sindh and Pakistan.

PPP calls for level-playing field for all political parties: This article reports on the statement of PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, who said that there is not a level-playing field for everyone in the run-up to the general elections. He also expressed his condolences to the family of slain journalist Jan Muhammad Mahar, and criticized the former PTI government for allowing terrorists to enter Pakistan from Afghanistan.

Election Commission of Pakistan: This is the official website of the Election Commission of Pakistan, where you can find information about the elections laws, the list of political parties, the symbols allotted to them, and the FAQs.

PS-23 Sukkur-II, Sindh Assembly Election 1 Results & Party Position: This page shows the results of the 2018 general elections for the PS-23 Sukkur-II constituency, where Masroor Ahmed Khan Jatoi of the National Peoples Party won with 38263 votes, followed by Qurban Ali of the PPP with 20037 votes.

Bilawal rues ‘uneven’ playing field in run-up to polls: This article provides more details on the press conference of Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari in Sukkur, where he raised objections to the lack of a level playing field in the elections, and said that there was a need to do away with outdated methods of running the country.

Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (S) - Wikipedia: This is the Wikipedia page of the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (S), a religious party led by Maulana Samiul Haq, who is the head of the Muttahida Deeni Mahaz (MDM), a group of five small religious parties and groups that is contesting the elections.PPP calls for level-playing field for all political parties

How the Parties and Candidates are Gearing Up for the 2023 General Elections in Sukkur District

     Sukkur is a district and a division of Sindh province, Pakistan. It is the third largest city in Sindh and the 14th largest in Pakistan. Sukkur is located on the east bank of the Indus River, across from Rohri, another major city in the district. Sukkur has a population of about 1.4 million, according to the 2017 census. The main languages spoken in Sukkur are Sindhi, Urdu, Punjabi, and Saraiki. Sukkur is known for its historical and cultural heritage, as well as its economic and political significance.

Sukkur district is divided into four tehsils or sub-districts: Sukkur, Rohri, Salehpat, and Pano Aqil. The district has 26 union councils, of which 14 are in Sukkur city and 12 are in rural areas. Sukkur district has two National Assembly seats (NA-198 and NA-199) and four Provincial Assembly seats (PS-1, PS-2, PS-3, and PS-4). The district is considered a stronghold of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), which has won most of the elections in Sukkur since the 1970s.

     The next general elections in Pakistan are scheduled to be held in 2023, in which the voters of Sukkur district will elect their representatives for the National and Provincial Assemblies. The elections will be conducted by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), which is an independent constitutional body responsible for organizing and conducting free and fair elections in the country. The elections will be held under the first-past-the-post system, in which the candidate with the most votes in each constituency wins the seat.

     The main political parties that are expected to contest the elections in Sukkur district are the PPP, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), and the Grand Democratic Alliance (GDA). The PPP is the ruling party in Sindh province and the main opposition party in the federal government. The PPP has a loyal vote bank in Sukkur district, especially among the Sindhi-speaking population. The PPP is led by Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, the son of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto and former President Asif Ali Zardari.

     The PTI is the ruling party in the federal government and the main opposition party in Sindh province. The PTI has a strong support base in urban areas, especially among the youth and the middle class. The PTI is led by Prime Minister Imran Khan, a former cricketer and philanthropist. The PTI aims to bring about a change in the political system and end corruption and nepotism.

     The MQM is a regional party that represents the Urdu-speaking population, mainly in Karachi and Hyderabad. The MQM has a significant presence in Sukkur city, where it has won one Provincial Assembly seat (PS-1) in the 2018 elections. The MQM is led by Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, a former federal minister and a technocrat. The MQM advocates for the rights and interests of the urban dwellers and the middle class.

     The GDA is a coalition of several smaller parties, mainly in rural Sindh. The GDA includes the Pakistan Muslim League-Functional (PML-F), the National Peoples Party (NPP), the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), and some independent candidates. The GDA is led by Pir Pagara, the spiritual leader of the Hur Jamaat and the head of the PML-F. The GDA challenges the PPP's dominance in rural Sindh and claims to represent the true aspirations of the Sindhi people.

     The election campaign in Sukkur district is expected to be intense and competitive, as the parties will try to woo the voters with their manifestos, slogans, rallies, and advertisements. The main issues that are likely to dominate the election discourse are the development and infrastructure of the district, the provision of basic services and amenities, the law and order and security situation, the corruption and accountability of the politicians, and the provincial and national policies and interests. The voters of Sukkur district will have to make an informed and rational choice, based on their preferences and expectations, and the performance and credibility of the candidates and parties.

     The election results in Sukkur district will have an impact on the political landscape of Sindh province and Pakistan as a whole. The results will reflect the public opinion and sentiment of the people of Sukkur district, and their satisfaction or dissatisfaction with the current government and opposition. The results will also determine the strength and representation of the parties in the National and Provincial Assemblies, and their influence and bargaining power in the formation of the government and the policy-making process. The results will also indicate the trends and patterns of the electoral behavior and dynamics of the voters of Sukkur district, and their similarities and differences with the voters of other districts and regions of the country.

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