Pakistan: ECP notice to Imran Khan

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) issued notice to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf chairman and Pakistan's Prime Minister in-waiting Imran Khan on Monday, asking him for written explanation over his alleged voting in full public view and in front of camera in the just ended general elections on July 25.

His alleged act is violation of model code of conduct as per the ECP's rules.

Babar Awan, Imran's counsel appeared before ECP earlier today after which the ECP asked for a written reply from Khan and adjourned the hearing till August 16, reported Geo News. The ECP had earlier summoned the cricketer-turned-politician.

The ECP issued notice to Khan since it 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 vote.

The PTI emerged as the single largest party with 116 seats, after the ECP on July 28 released the complete preliminary results for 270 seats out of 272 constituencies in the National Assembly (NA), according to reports.

The process of counting took more time than usual. The ECP completed the process after almost three days since the General Elections got over.

Imran Khan will be sworn-in as the new Prime Minister of Pakistan before August 14, according to a party leader.