RAWALPINDI: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has demanded the “immediate resignation” of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikandar Sultan Raja, citing failures in ensuring free, fair, and transparent general elections in 2024. The demand was made by Barrister Gohar Ali Khan after a meeting with PTI’s founder Imran Khan at Rawalpindi’s Adiala jail.
According to Khan, the incumbent CEC has become a controversial figure due to his alleged inability to prevent rigging during the elections. PTI emphasized the need for impartial inquiries into election discrepancies and urged that election results reflect the true mandate of the public.
Furthermore, PTI called for the issuance of election results in line with Form 45, amidst concerns raised by several political parties regarding discrepancies in results based on Form 47.
The demand for CEC Raja’s resignation comes amidst shocking revelations made by former Rawalpindi Commissioner Liaquat Ali Chatha, who confessed to involvement in rigging during the 2024 general elections. Chatha’s allegations also implicated the Election Commission of Pakistan and Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa, although both entities denied any involvement in rigging.
In response to Chatha’s claims, the ECP firmly rejected the allegations, stating that commissioners do not have a direct role in conducting elections and denying instructing Chatha to change election results under his jurisdiction.
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Following the press conference, Liaquat Ali Chattha was transferred from his position, and Rawalpindi Development Authority DG Saif Anwar Jappa was given the additional charge.
The demand for CEC Raja’s resignation and the ongoing controversy surrounding election irregularities highlight the importance of transparency and accountability in Pakistan’s electoral process. PTI’s stance underscores the party’s commitment to upholding democratic principles and ensuring fair elections for the nation.
