QUETTA

The Balochistan Election Commissioner has turned down all the allegations regarding tempering of election results, saying loadshedding, technical faults and late reaching of presiding officers in far-flung areas are the main reasons which delayed announcement of poll results.
Addressing a news conference here at his office Sunday, Sultan Byzaid said total turnout in the province was around 40 to 45 per cent, while turnout in Pushtun belt was 63 per cent and in Baloch belt 20 to 25 per cent. He said all the results would be announced till Monday (today), adding the electoral process came to an end peacefully apart from sporadic incidents of violence at some polling stations in Chaman where four persons lost their lives. He said polling staff and ballet papers were facilitated in helicopters to far-flung areas under the Army supervision.
He said after the lapse of stipulated time, the voters were given an extra hour for casting their votes. He said despite of security issues, the presiding officers and other stuff were sent to far-flung districts of the province. He said no one should doubt credibility of the electoral process and said efforts are being made to announce all results till Monday noon (today). “Vanquished candidates are used to level allegations but there is no space for changing any results,” said Sultan Byzaid.
Responding to a question, he said the allegations of late polling and non-availability of stuff were baseless, adding when teachers refused performing duties, the ECP arranged staff from Sibi, Lesbella and Quetta on emergency basis.