The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Monday canceled the notification of postponement of elections in NA-83 and NA-85 Sargodha. ECP Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja heard the case of postponement of elections in NA 83 and NA 85 Sargodha wherein Sargodha DRO and Returning Officers (ROs) appeared. The PML-N candidate told the Election Commission that he received a notice from the returning officer that a candidate had died in his constituency and the death certificate of the deceased candidate is dated January 15. He said it happened on January 2nd, the funeral prayer was held on January 3rd and there was a conspiracy to postpone the elections in two constituencies. “DC Sargodha has also conducted an inquiry into the matter, I request that the elections should not be postponed,” he said. Sargodha DRO told the ECP CEC that he has conducted an inquiry, in which it has been proved that Sadiq Ali died on January 2—the statements of Sadiq Ali's mother, and daughter, Imam-e-Masjid were recorded. ECP’s CEC Raja inquired why the RO did not conduct an inquiry before postponing the elections.

"Now it has been proved that Sadiq Ali died on January 2, we were provided with a fake death certificate," said returning officer NA-85. Secretary Union Council (UC) said that he verified the news and issued the death certificate at the request of the son. The deceased’s village numberdaar (village head) told ECP about usage of his forged signature for issuance of the death certificate.  On this occasion, the ECP Chief Election Commissioner scolded the secretary of the UC for interfering during the hearing and commented he committed wrongful act and kept on talking in the hearing as well. The ECP CEC canceled the RO notifications of postponing the elections in the two constituencies of the National Assembly and directed that elections be held in both constituencies, the election process should be continued. Mohsin Shahnawaz Ranjha reacts to ECP order PMLN candidate Mohsin Shahnawaz Ranjha  said that the general elections in Constituency NA-83 and Constituency NA-85 will be held on February 8, 2024. "I congratulate the people of both the constituencies that the forgery failed. The Election Commission restored the schedule of general elections in both constituencies," he added.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)