Islamabad, Pakistan - February 20, 2024: The February 8th Senate elections continue to face scrutiny, with Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Senator Mushtaq Ahmad demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikandar Sultan Raja amidst allegations of rigging. This demand comes as other senators also raise concerns about irregularities in the voting process.

Senator Ahmad's Accusation:

During a Senate session on Tuesday, Senator Ahmad called for the CEC's resignation, claiming "blatant manipulation" and "systematic rigging" in the recent elections. He cited various alleged irregularities, including discrepancies in vote counts, missing voter lists, and obstructed polling stations, as evidence of a compromised electoral process.

Beyond JI:

Senator Ahmad's accusations are not isolated. Senators from other parties have also voiced concerns about potential irregularities. Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Senator Sherry Rehman questioned the delay in releasing official results, while independent Senator Yousuf Raza Gillani highlighted issues with voter verification and ballot secrecy.

CEC's Response:

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has denied any allegations of rigging, maintaining the elections were conducted transparently and fairly. In response to Senator Ahmad's demand, the CEC stated that he would continue to uphold his constitutional duty and vowed to address any concerns through established legal channels.

Wider Concerns and Next Steps:

These allegations and the demand for the CEC's resignation raise concerns about the credibility of the electoral process and the potential for political instability. Some analysts suggest that a transparent investigation into the alleged irregularities is crucial to upholding public trust in democratic institutions.

It remains to be seen what steps will be taken in response to these allegations. The ECP may choose to launch an internal investigation, or the matter could be referred to relevant oversight bodies for further scrutiny. Ultimately, the courts may be called upon to adjudicate the issue and determine the legitimacy of the election results.