ECP Denies Nawaz Sharif’s Request For NA-15 Results

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has dismissed a plea submitted by PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif, requesting a halt to the announcement of election results in NA-15 Mansehra. The Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja led the two-member ECP bench that heard the petition. Although Nawaz Sharif’s legal representatives did not appear before the commission, the Returning Officer (RO) for NA-15 presented a response to the ECP.

In his response, the Returning Officer clarified that the results of the constituency had been compiled in accordance with Form 45. After scrutinizing the RO’s reply, the election commission decided to deny the request to postpone the notification of the winning candidate.

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Notably, Nawaz Sharif’s legal team arrived late and sought leniency, requesting the commission not to reject the petition outright. In response, the ECP advised Nawaz Sharif to submit a fresh plea if he wished to pursue the matter further.

In the recent 2024 elections, independent candidate Shahzad Gustasip, who was backed by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), emerged victorious over Nawaz Sharif in the NA-15 Mansehra constituency. This defeat prompted Nawaz Sharif to file a plea with the ECP, seeking a stay on the announcement of election results. However, the commission’s decision to reject the plea suggests that the electoral process for NA-15 Mansehra will proceed without interruption.

The rejection of Nawaz Sharif’s plea by the ECP underlines the importance of adhering to procedural requirements and timelines in the electoral process. The insistence on submitting a fresh plea by the commission indicates that proper legal procedures must be followed to address such matters.

The outcome of this specific case has implications not only for the individuals involved but also for the broader democratic process in Pakistan. The ECP’s decision reinforces the principle of upholding the integrity of the electoral process and respecting established legal procedures.

In conclusion, the Election Commission of Pakistan’s rejection of Nawaz Sharif’s plea to stay the election results in NA-15 Mansehra signifies a decisive step in the electoral proceedings. The commission’s commitment to procedural adherence and the recommendation for a fresh plea underscore the significance of maintaining transparency and legality in the democratic processes of the country. As the electoral landscape unfolds, such instances contribute to shaping the perception of the electoral system’s fairness and impartiality.