QWP alleges LG by-poll in Charsadda rigged

CHARSADDA: Qaumi Watan Party (QWP) provincial Chairman Sikandar Hayat Khan Sherpao on Monday rejected the results of the local government by-election in Tangi tehsil of Charsadda, accusing the district returning officer and returning officer of being partial.

Speaking at a press conference, he said his party workers would stage a protest outside the office of the returning officer against the alleged rigging in the local government by-election. Sikandar Sherpao alleged the provincial government used official resources and committed pre-poll rigging.

He said the provincial ministers and MPAs ran the election campaign for their candidates and violated the election code of conduct, but the district returning officer and returning officer did not bother to take action against them. The QWP lea­der said besides staging the protest, his party would also seek a legal recourse.

He alleged that fake votes were also cast on the election day. Sikandar Sherpao alleged his party tried to get in touch with the returning officer to inform him about the irregularities, but he did not respond.

He said the QWP supporters actively participated in the election but his party candidate was made to lose allegedly by changing the results. Sikandar Sherpao said the country could not afford to face more challenges at this critical juncture. He said state institutions should work within the constitutional ambit. Sikandar Sherpao warned the government against undoing the 18th Amendment. He said the QWP had always strived for the rights of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and would continue to do so.