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ECP Seeks Reply From Imran Over Controversial Vote Cast

Islamabad  (July 30, 2018): The Election Commission of Pakistan on Monday has sought a written reply from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan till August 16 over casting his vote in violation of the code of conduct during the general election 2018.

Imran’s counsel Babar Awan appeared before the ECP earlier today after the electoral body issued a notice to the PTI chief for violating the secrecy of ballot by openly casting his vote in the NA-53 constituency on July 25.

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Instead of going behind the voting screen to cast his vote in secrecy, Imran was seen publicly stamping the ballot paper on the table with TV cameras filming him. Neither the presiding officer nor other polling staff objected to the violation.

After hearing Awan’s argument over the matter, the ECP ordered a written reply from the PTI chairman and adjourned the hearing till August 16. According to Section 185 of the Election Act, a person can be given a six-month jail sentence and/or fine of Rs1,000 for not casting their vote in secrecy.

Speaking to media outside the ECP on Monday, Babar Awan said institutions will be in power during PTI’s rule.

“Individuals will not rule during PTI’s tenure. Institutions will be in power,” he said, adding that the nation’s wishes would be the guiding force for the party.  To a question, Awan said PTI had not yet decided who would be made the chief minister of Punjab.

The Imran Khan-led PTI witnessed a resounding triumph in the country’s general election, whereas rival parties planned protests over alleged vote rigging.

The PTI won 116 National Assembly seats in the ballot, short of the 137 needed for a simple majority but a surprisingly strong showing that helped fuel suspicion of rigging.

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