Imran Khan's PTI demands CEC's resignation amid rigging reports; claims majority for govt formation

NEW DELHI: In the wake of widespread reports of vote rigging during the recently concluded general elections on February 8, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) demanded the immediate resignation of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikandar Sultan Raja. Citing constitutional violations, the party claims the right to form the government after securing a majority in the 2024 general election, according to ARY News.
A PTI spokesperson has urged the resignation of both the CEC and members of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), alleging violations of the constitution.The party contends that the formation of a coalition government, known as PDM-2, by Pakistan Muslim League - Nawaz (PML-N), Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), and Pakistan People's Party (PPP) members, is based on rigged elections and the public's rejection of dishonest parties through their votes.
Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, a PTI leader, previously declared the party's intention to govern in the center, Punjab, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He suggested a potential alliance with Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen (MWM) to secure reserved seats.
The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has released unofficial results for 264 out of 265 National Assembly (NA) seats. Independent candidates are leading with 95 seats, followed by PML-N with 79, and PPP with 54.
Additional results include MQM-P with 17 seats, IPP and BNP with two each, JUI-F with four, PML-Q with three, and MWM, PML-Z, PMAP, PNAP with one seat each, according to the electoral watchdog's unofficial data. This situation implies potential legal challenges and political maneuvering in the aftermath of the elections.
PTI activists are currently engaged in demonstrations, alleging election irregularities. In Rawalpindi, protesters gathered outside the district election commissioner's office in Sadiqabad, facing tear gas and baton charges from the police.
In Sukkur, PTI workers, led by independent candidates Gohar Khoso and Safia Baloch, protested outside the Press Club. Another PTI demonstration was staged outside the Election Commission of Pakistan's Sindh office, amidst the presence of security personnel.