Tahir Maqsood Chheena

The recent general election in Pakistan has left a trail of controversy and suspicion, with the conduct of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) coming under intense scrutiny. The failure to meet legal deadlines and the subsequent release of Form 45 documents have raised serious questions about the integrity of the electoral process. In this research article, we delve into the significance of Form 45, its role in the post-poll vote-counting exercise, and the implications of its manipulation.

Form 45: The Crucial Document

Form 45 is not just any piece of paperwork; it is the formal documentation of the first and most critical step in the vote-counting process. At each polling station, presiding officers meticulously tally the votes cast for each contesting candidate and record the results on Form 45. This form serves as the foundation upon which the overall election outcome is built. Its accuracy and transparency are vital for the legitimacy of the entire electoral exercise.

The Nominee’s Role

According to the established procedure, a copy of Form 45 is supposed to be issued to the nominee of each candidate. This nominee, often a representative of the candidate, witnesses the vote count and ensures that the process is fair and unbiased. The nominee’s presence during the counting process adds an additional layer of accountability.

Discrepancies and Delays

In the aftermath of the February 8 election, numerous candidates raised alarm bells. They reported significant discrepancies between the Form 45s they received from presiding officers in their respective constituencies and the official results announced by the ECP. These discrepancies were particularly pronounced in cases where the ECP’s announcement deviated from the Form 45 data.

The PTI’s Claim of Victory

Interestingly, rival candidates and entire political parties rallied behind the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), claiming victory based on the Form 45s they had collected. These claims persisted even when the official results declared a different candidate as the winner. The lack of access to the ECP’s copies of Form 45s until recently made it impossible to pinpoint the exact deviations between the official count and the forms issued to candidates.

Inconsistencies and Allegations

The recently released Form 45 documents have only intensified the controversy. They are riddled with inconsistencies and errors, fueling allegations of widespread tampering with results. Independent observers and concerned citizens are now demanding a transparent audit of the election results. The integrity of the entire electoral process hangs in the balance.

The Way Forward

As Pakistan grapples with these challenges, it is crucial for the ECP to address the concerns raised by candidates, parties, and citizens. A thorough investigation into the discrepancies, along with a commitment to transparency, is essential. Only by restoring faith in the electoral system can we uphold the democratic principles that form the bedrock of our nation.

In conclusion, Form 45 is not just a piece of paper; it represents the trust placed by millions of voters in the democratic process. Its proper handling and accurate recording are non-negotiable if we are to maintain the sanctity of our elections.

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