ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has changed the date of NA-75 Daska by-election re-polls and announced a new date of April 10. Earlier ECP had announced to hold by-election on March 18.

The Election Commission has issued special instructions to the Punjab government regarding the by-election of Daska and said that after the suspension and transfer of district officers, new officers need time to understand the situation ordering to appoint administrative officers on vacant posts.

On the other hand, the Election Commission, while issuing a detailed decision on the by-election of NA-75 Daska, said that the election held on February 19 was not transparent and free.

The ECP in its decision said that Form 45 of 20 polling stations, which were tampered, was received late. The presiding officers were frightened and made excuses. The absence of polling staff casts doubt on the results.

The decision said that there were major violations of election laws during the by-elections in NA-75. Transfers were banned by the Election Commission in the constituency.

The ECP s decision said that electoral violations in NA-75 could not be ignored. Transparent elections are our primary responsibility. The election was declared null and void under Article 218 and Section 9 of the Election Act.

The verdict said that candidate Asjad Malhi did not lodge any complaint against the law and order situation while two persons were killed and several others injured in the constituency.

The Election Commission said that in the 2018 general elections, the turnout in this constituency was 55.78 percent while in the by-elections it was 46.92 percent. Polling was halted at 40 polling stations due to firing incidents.

The decision said that the Chief Election Commissioner s contacts with the IG and Chief Secretary on the bad situation were not answered. Finally, the Chief Election Commissioner contacted the Interior Secretary. The ECP said that the results of 20 polling stations were received late at 6 am. NNI