Chief Election Commissioner Justice (r) Hamid Ali Mirza on Monday directed to take action against Sindh Assembly candidate Waheeda Shah for slapping a polling official as well as the police personnel for negligence of duty.
He took serious notice of the incident of slapping a polling staff by Pakistan People’s Party’s candidate Syeda Waheeda Shah at Polling Station No 16 at Government Girls High School, Tando Muhammad Khan and directed the Provincial Election Commissioner, Sindh to take necessary action under the law.
He also directed to lodge an FIR against Syeda Waheeda Shah that was implemented by registering FIR No 33/2012 under Section 86 (3)(b) of the Representation of People Act, 1976 at Police Station, Tando Muhammad Khan.
Earlier, the assistant presiding officer who was slapped by PPP candidate Waheeda Shah Bukhari during Saturday’s by-election had termed the incident a result of a misunderstanding.
The CEC made it clear that no one would be allowed to threaten or use force against the polling staff whose services are hired by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) in connection with election duties. The Commission would take all possible steps to provide protection to the polling staff and take an exemplary action under the law against any one who indulges in any illegal activities to disrupt peaceful atmosphere at the polling stations.
The CEC also observed that slapping an Assistant Presiding Officer at Polling Station No 16 Tando Muhammad Khan by Syeda Waheeda Shah on Feb 25, had shocked the whole nation and was viewed very seriously by the Commission. Therefore, the Commission not only condemns this unruly behaviour of a personnel aspiring to represent the people in the Parliament, he added.
On receipt of report from the Provincial Election Commissioner Sindh, the Commission directed the Returning Officer for PS-53 Ali Asghar Sial to take immediate cognizance of the matter under Section 86A of the Representation of People Act, 1976 and all other enabling provisions, for alleged violation of the provision of Section 86 ibid, hold an inquiry (summary trial), hear the necessary parties and pass the orders.
He has been asked to hold inquiry at the office of Provincial Election Commissioner, Sindh, Karachi within minimum possible time, not exceeding seven days at the maximum.
On the complaint received from Mir Mushtaq Ali Talpur, another contesting candidate for by election of PS-53 in Tando Muhammad Khan, the Commission also issued notices to all the parties to appear before it on March 6.
Expressing concern and disappointment over the failure of the police personnel present on the occasion to perform their duties, the Commission directed the Inspector General Police, Sindh to proceed against them and submit a report to the Commission within a week.
Meanwhile, the Election Commission withheld the official result of the said constituency till the completion of the inquiry.
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