The Senate elections held in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on July 21 have come under fire following reports of potential violations of election laws. Sources revealed that ballot papers were allegedly distributed among lawmakers outside the polling area, raising serious concerns about the fairness of the process. PTI secured six seats, while the opposition won five, but the controversy has cast a shadow over the results.
According to insider accounts, lawmakers reportedly followed a coordinated system where they would deposit a blank ballot and hand over their actual vote to be marked by others. This cycle allegedly continued throughout the day, with no member independently casting their own vote. Shockingly, sources claim this arrangement was mutually agreed upon by both government and opposition leaders, including Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur.
PTI MPA Shakeel Khan confirmed to Geo News that lawmakers were given “ready-made” ballots, suggesting pre-determined outcomes. However, the ECP defended the process, stating that voting was conducted lawfully, with ballot boxes remaining visible at all times. The KP government dismissed the allegations as baseless, insisting the elections were transparent and peaceful.
Despite official denials, the controversy has fueled doubts about electoral integrity. With opposition leaders and transparency advocates demanding an investigation, the ECP faces mounting pressure to address these claims. The incident highlights ongoing challenges in ensuring free and fair elections in Pakistan’s political landscape.