ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has stopped the issuance of the victory notification of PML-N candidate Bilal Chaudhry from NA-96 Faisalabad.
The decision came during the hearing of a case against Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry for alleged violations of the election code of conduct. Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja remarked that Talal Chaudhry attended an election rally of a candidate who has now been declared successful.
Talal Chaudhry’s counsel informed the commission that he had received the notice only today and requested permission to file his power of attorney first.
The Chief Election Commissioner granted Talal Chaudhry exemption from personal appearance for the day but directed that he must appear in person at the next hearing.
He added that while the commission is not disqualifying Talal Chaudhry at this stage, the notification of the winning candidate must remain withheld until the next appearance.
The hearing on the code of conduct violation case has been adjourned until December 2.
Meanwhile, election tribunal has halted the notification of the winning candidate from NA-251 after announcing its reserved verdict on an election petition.
Judge Muhammad Aamir Nawaz Rana heard the petition, during which ECP Deputy Director Ali Jan and Nasir Ahmed appeared on behalf of the Election Commission.
In its decision, the tribunal suspended the notification of the returned candidate and directed the Election Commission to conduct re-polling at 22 polling stations of the constituency.
It may be noted that the victory of MNA-elect Maulana Samiuddin had been challenged by Khushal Khan, Chairman of the Pakhtunkhwa National Awami Party.
