ISLAMABAD: The judicial commission constituted to investigate malpractices in the 2013 general elections presented a questionnaire to political parties asking them to submit responses on alleged poll rigging by April 29.
Chairing the meeting of the commission today, Chief Justice Nasirul Mulk said the terms and conditions for the commission were clear but replies of most political parties were not in accordance with the terms of references.
During the commission’s ongoing investigation, the questionnaire was sent out to ask three main questions about the 2013 general elections. Each question had a further sub-question to ensure clarity in responses.
The questionnaire asked whether the 2013 elections were carried out in an honest and impartial manner. It directed parties to submit supporting material and present eye-witnesses in the event of a no.
The questionnaire also inquired whether or not the elections were manipulated in a “systematic” manner and the identity of those who may have designed and planned it.
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A copy of the questionnaire. – DawnNews
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In relation to the systematic procedure, the questionnaire further asked whether rigging was carried out in national constituencies or national and provincial. It also asked if alleged rigging was carried out in a certain province or all four provinces.
The questionnaire will enable political parties to answer the commission’s questions regarding electoral rigging clearly. The commission also asked political parties to submit material and name witnesses to support their allegations and responses in the questionnaire.
Read: SC forms commission to probe alleged poll rigging
The commission was formed earlier this month, following the Ordinance issued by President Mamnoon Hussain to proceed with the formation of a judicial commission which would investigate allegations of poll rigging, a demand made by PTI during the party’s 126-day-long sit-in in Islamabad last year.
According to a signed agreement, the judicial commission will investigate the matter preferably within 45 days of its making.
