Chakwal Elections, ECP Takes Suo Motu Notice For Keeping Out Lady Voters

CHAKWAL: A suo motu notice in by- poll in Chakwal is taken by Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) alleging barring of women voters.

The notice has been taken by ECP on the basis of a letter written by a returning officer while he was supervising by-polls in PP-23 Chakwal.The by-poll was conducted in Chakwal on 18th of April, 2017.

According to the officer no women have casted votes at six polling stations. In these by- polls for seat of Punjab Provincial Assembly Mr. Shahryar Awan has secured victory in PP- 23.

He belonged to Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PMLN). ECP took the notice and fixed hearing on tomorrow (Wednesday) while stating that “we got to know from the returning officer that not a single woman cast her vote at six polling stations”. This statement was given by one of ECP personnel. Justice retired Sardar Raza the Chief Election Commissioner will be hearing this case tomorrow.

The ECP has issued notices for all contesting candidates and returning officer and directed them to appear on May 3rd, 2017 in front of the Commission. An important thing to remember is that, polls in PK- 95, Dir KPK were also considered null and void on the basis of sou motu notice issued on the basis disenfranchisement of women.