Election Commission of Pakistan would like to congratulate the people of Pakistan on historic elections

Islamabad, May 12, 2013 (PPI-OT): The Election Commission of Pakistan would like to congratulate the people of Pakistan on a historic elections. As per reports received by the Commission thus far, the elections throughout the country were largely free and fair and passed without any major incident.

The exception to this was obviously in Karachi where the Commission was compelled to stop polling at 43 polling stations in NA-250. The Commission would like to clarify that the Presiding Officers and Polling Staff in NA-250 were directed to report to their respective polling stations along with all election material one night before the elections.

However, upon appointment, they were threatened and the election material was stolen by criminal elements. Substitutes appointed by the DRO were also threatened and therefore refused to perform election duty.

The office of the CEC was also fired upon. In these circumstances, polling was substantially delayed throughout NA-250 and could not take place at all in 43 polling stations. Despite all this, the people of Karachi showed admirable resolve and courage and waited all day to cast their vote.

The Commission is conducting investigations and will take stern action against those responsible. The date for re-polling in the 43 polling stations will be announced shortly and all necessary measures will be taken to ensure that such unfortunate events are not repeated.

The Commission would like to reiterate its gratitude to the people of Pakistan who showed spirit, resolve and patience and made these elections a success.

For more information, contact:
Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP)
Election Commission of Pakistan Secretariat
Election House, Constitution Avenue G-5/2,
Islamabad
Tel: +9251 920 1975, +9251 920 6062
Fax: +9251 920 5402, +9251 920 5300