ISLAMABAD: The ruling party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), sought the resignation of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Monday, accusing it of “total incompetence” in conducting open Senate elections and thereby losing the government’s confidence.
The PTI government and the commission got into a battle when the latter claimed in the Supreme Court that the Senate election should be held by secret ballot, amid the government’s attempts to conduct the election by open ballot.
Three federal ministers held a joint news conference in the federal capital on Monday, calling for the ECP’s resignation and the establishment of a new election monitoring system that could be trusted by everyone.
On March 3, the election was held using secret balloting. Hafeez Sheikh of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) was defeated by Yousuf Raza Gilani of the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) in the general election in Islamabad. Following the order for re-polls in Daska, the PTI is still dissatisfied with the ECP.
“It is the election commission’s duty to ensure transparent elections. Education Minister Shafqat Mahmood, flanked by Information Minister Shibli Faraz and Science and Technology Minister Fawad Chaudhry, told the press conference that his duty had not been fulfilled.
“At this time, no political faction is pleased with the Senate election results. “All of these things back Imran Khan’s stance [on free voting],” he said.
