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Allegations of Massive Rigging Surface in Gujrat By-polls as PML-Q and PML-N Candidates Lead
Controversy erupts in Gujrat as opposition parties cry foul over alleged rigging in PP-32 and PP-36 by-polls. PML-Q and PML-N candidates poised for victory amidst accusations of electoral malpractice.
ND
by News Desk
2024-04-22
Allegations of Massive Rigging Surface in Gujrat By-polls as PML-Q and PML-N Candidates Lead

Tensions ran high in Gujrat as the PML-Q and PML-N appeared to be in a favorable position to clinch victory in the PP-32 and PP-36 by-polls, prompting allegations of widespread rigging from opposition parties, particularly the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) alliance.

 

Amidst claims of irregularities, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali and NA Opposition Leader Umar Ayub Khan, accompanied by other party leaders, converged at Jail Chowk street leading to the heavily-guarded Deputy Commissioner Complex to voice their concerns.

 

Unofficial results from all 168 polling stations of PP-32 indicated a lead for Chaudhary Musa Elahi of PML-Q, securing 70,800 votes against SIC-PTI aspirant Parvez Elahi's 37,000 votes. Similarly, Adnan Afzal Chatha of PML-N was leading comfortably against Fayyaz Chatha of SIC-PTI in the PP-36 race.

 

Opposition parties lambasted the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), returning officer, local police, and administration for what they perceived as a failure to conduct transparent elections. Criticism was particularly directed towards the Kathala polling station, which became a focal point due to reports of rigging and denial of entry to voters, especially women.

 

Tensions escalated at the Kathala Chenab polling station where PTI's Qaisara Elahi, wife of Parvez Elahi, confronted her brother Wajahat Hussain of PML-Q. Clashes between supporters of rival parties ensued after reports of rigging surfaced.

 

Speaking to the media, Qaisara Elahi expressed dismay over the alleged rigging, stating that she never expected such actions from her own brother. Meanwhile, PTI leader Sumaira Elahi Chohan also arrived at a polling station in response to reports of irregularities.

 

Authorities at the polling station confirmed incidents of forcible snatching of hundreds of ballot papers, which were stamped and deposited into ballot boxes. Police were alerted to apprehend the culprits.

 

Punjab JI chief Dr. Tariq Saleem and Gujrat district emir Ansar Mehmood Dhool accused local authorities of facilitating PML-Q aspirants and condemned the police's actions in apprehending polling agents who resisted attempts at electoral manipulation.
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