Vawda's disqualification: Election Tribunal dismisses Shahbaz's plea

The Election Tribunal Friday dismissed the plea of Mian Shahbaz Sharif, President Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), seeking disqualification of Faisal Vawda, Federal Minister Water Resources, who was elected from NA-249 and for recounting of votes in the constituency. The tribunal headed by Sindh High Court (SHC) judge Justice Yousaf Ali Sayeed issued the verdict in the election petition, which was filed by Shahbaz Sharif, who contested the election against Vawda and lost by margin of a few hundred votes.

Shahbaz pleaded the tribunal to declare the election void on the grounds that number of rejected votes in the constituency was higher than the winning margin and alleged rigging in the election. He also cited the issuance of result in plain paper of the constituency rather than on the form 45 the reason for declaring the election void as proper procedure was not followed. According to written order of tribunal, request for recounting of votes at all polling stations of the constituency was found to be unwarranted.

The same tribunal also dismissed the plea for recounting of votes in PS-116, which was won by Malik Shahzad Awan of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). PML-N's candidate Salaheen challenged the success of Shahzad Awan and requested the tribunal for recounting of votes. Tribunal also rejected the petition against Abbas Jafari, elected on Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) ticket on PS-128 for declaring his success void. Nusrat Anwar, PTI's candidate challenged the success of Jafari in general election 2018.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2019