ECP seeks signed response from Imran Khan in controversial vote casting

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Thursday demanded a signed response from the Pakistan Prime Minister-designate Imran Khan for voting in full public view at his NA-53 Islamabad constituency during the general elections last month.

According to Samaa TV, ECP rejected the written response submitted by Khan's legal counsel Babar Awan as it did not bear Khan's signature.

The four-judge bench ordered Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman to submit a written and signed explanation over his alleged voting in full public view and in front of the camera in the recently-concluded general elections.

The notification for NA-53 (Islamabad-II) has also been withheld by the ECP, in view of the violation of the electoral code of conduct by Imran Khan, where Khan defeated former Pakistan Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi.

On July 30, the ECP issued a notice to Khan seeking a written reply since he violated the secrecy of the ballot when he allegedly cast his vote in NA-53 constituency while surrounded by friends and supporters. Apparently, neither the presiding officer nor the polling staff objected to the violation.

According to Section 185 of the Election Act, a person can be given a six-month jail sentence and/or fine of Rs 1,000 for not casting their vote in secrecy.

PTI leader Naeemul Haque has blamed the polling staff present at the booth for the controversial casting of the vote.

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