The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has concluded the hearing on the petition challenging the election of National Assembly Opposition Leader Omar Ayub and reserved its verdict.
During the proceedings, the petitioner’s lawyer, representing Babar Nawaz, argued that there were numerous irregularities in the election, including alleged fake votes and improper consolidation of results. He requested a recount of votes rather than a rerun of the election, citing suspiciously high vote counts at multiple polling stations. For instance, he highlighted an implausible rate of one vote every 2 minutes and 15 seconds across thousands of polling booths, calling into question the credibility of the results.
In response, Omar Ayub’s counsel pointed out that Babar Nawaz had publicly conceded defeat on social media after the election and that the Pakistan Muslim League-N candidate had congratulated Omar Ayub on his victory. The defense emphasized that the petitioner failed to present concrete evidence of rigging.
ECP member Babar Bharwana questioned the petitioner’s claims, noting the absence of similar cases where recounts were requested after deadlines or without going to the election tribunal. He remarked that such concerns should have been raised before the Returning Officer during the election process, not afterward.
After hearing the arguments, the Election Commission reserved its decision in the case.