KP Chief Minister Clarifies Remarks Amid ECP Concerns Over By-Poll Security
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Khan Afridi has issued a clarification regarding his remarks related to the upcoming NA-18 by-election, following a request from the Election Commission of Pak
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Khan Afridi has issued a clarification regarding his remarks related to the upcoming NA-18 by-election, following a request from the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) for military and civil armed forces deployment. The ECP expressed concerns over what it termed ‘‘threats’’ and ‘‘provocative language’’ used by CM Afridi towards public officials.
By-election: Context of ECP's Concerns
Speaking to journalists outside Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi, CM Afridi asserted that his comments made during a political address in Chamba were misinterpreted. "I was not campaigning for anybody. I stated that there should be no rigging," he emphasized. The chief minister also highlighted repeated refusals by authorities to grant him access to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, noting that this was the seventh time he had been denied such a meeting.
ECP's Allegations and Response
The ECP's formal complaint detailed that CM Afridi had clearly threatened local district administration, police officers, and ECP officials involved in the by-elections scheduled for November 23. A letter from the electoral body stated, "Regrettably, he [CM Afridi] used offensive language which amounts to harassing and unduly influencing them, potentially obstructing their performance of duties."
The comments in question were made during a speech in Chamba, where the CM warned local political figures in Haripur that attempts to manipulate vote outcomes would not be tolerated. "If the people’s mandate is tampered with, the consequences will not be good. Any attempt at rigging will create a serious situation," he stated. CM Afridi emphasized the need for justice and adherence to democratic norms, warning that the situation might necessitate an unspecified course of action.
ECP Actions and Future Proceedings
Following his remarks, the ECP indicated that CM Afridi created an environment of intimidation towards election officials and voters. They noted that an individual deemed a "fugitive" was also present at the event, raising further concerns about the administration's lack of response to such matters. In addition to seeking military assistance for the by-polls, the ECP has also issued a notice to CM Afridi for violating the electoral code of conduct.
According to the ECP, CM Afridi's speech breached Section 170 of the Elections Act 2017 and Clauses 18 and 19 of the Code of Conduct, which prohibit Chief Ministers from participating in election campaigning and inciting violence or intimidation of public officials and voters. The provincial election commissioner has been tasked with arranging a meeting with CM Afridi, the KP Inspector General, and relevant officials to address the situation.
This meeting is scheduled for 12 PM tomorrow (Friday), and PTI candidate Shehrnaz Khan has also been directed to appear before the ECP. The electoral body expressed that the conduct of the upcoming by-election has been jeopardized, putting the safety of election workers, police, and voters at risk due to CM Afridi's actions. Furthermore, strict legal measures will be enforced against any individual or public official who attempts to interfere with the election's peaceful conduct.
