ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister’s Advisor Rana Sanaullah has leveled serious allegations of rigging in the LA‑10 Kotli constituency of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, even before polling commenced.
In a statement, Sanaullah claimed that the presiding officer and a patwari were caught with polling bags in LA‑10.
AJK polls: Two presiding officers suspended, arrested in Kotli
He urged the Prime Minister of AJK and the Chief Election Commissioner to launch an immediate investigation into the matter, insisting that elections in the constituency should be halted until the inquiry is completed.
The advisor declared that results from LA‑10 would not be accepted until the facts of the investigation are made public, describing the incident as “shameful and condemnable,” and calling it a blow to the credibility of the electoral process.
The allegation adds to the tense atmosphere surrounding the first phase of polling in 13 constituencies of Mirpur division, where strict security measures are in place and political observers are closely watching the contest between PML‑N and PPP, alongside other parties and independents.
The Election Commission has yet to issue a formal response to Sanaullah’s claims, but officials earlier reiterated that negligence or irregularities will not be tolerated and that all possible steps are being taken to ensure transparent and impartial elections.
