ECP suspends notification of Balochistan Assembly speaker's victory, orders re-polling

QUETTA, April 16: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has suspended the notification of Abdul Khaliq Khan's victory in the general elections and ordered re-polling at 12 polling stations in the provincial constituency PB-51 (Chaman) on April 21.
The decision comes after petitions were filed by Mr. Khan's opponents, Muhammad Asghar Achakzai of the Awami National Party (ANP), Abasin Achakzai, and Muhammad Sadiq, alleging irregularities in the polling process.
Mr. Khan had won the PB-51 seat with 20,390 votes, defeating Mr. Achakzai, who received 19,623 votes. However, the losing candidates challenged the results, accusing the ECP of rigging the polls.
The ECP, after reviewing the petitions, ordered re-polling at 12 polling stations: 56, 57, 61, 62, 79, 89, 90, 91, 95, 106, 129, and 130.
The re-polling will be held on April 21 from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and the final results for PB-51 will be announced after the re-polling is completed.
This decision has significant implications for the Balochistan Assembly, as Mr. Khan currently serves as the Speaker. His removal from the post could lead to a change in leadership in the provincial legislature.