The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) emphatically refuted reports circulating on Thursday suggesting that Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja was being considered for an ambassadorial role in a foreign nation. This rebuttal came swiftly after Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Omar Ayub Khan alleged that the government planned to appoint the CEC as Pakistan’s ambassador to Canada in exchange for his perceived “services.”
In an official statement, an ECP spokesperson dismissed these allegations as entirely baseless rumors. The spokesperson clarified that neither had the government extended any such offer to Raja nor did he harbor any intentions of accepting such a position. It was asserted that Raja remained committed to serving his country and had no aspirations for an overseas assignment upon completing his tenure.
Furthermore, the ECP cautioned against the spread of such unfounded rumors, emphasizing the importance of responsible communication. This clarification from the ECP comes amidst heightened scrutiny directed towards Chief Election Commissioner Raja, particularly following the general elections held in February.
PTI demanding resignationÂ
The PTI has been vociferous in its demands for Raja’s resignation, accusing him of dereliction of his constitutional and legal duties and purportedly facilitating electoral malpractice. The party’s dissatisfaction with the electoral process led to calls for the immediate resignation of CEC Raja and other members of the Election Commission of Pakistan.
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Allegations of collusion among electoral officials and reports of widespread vote rigging during the February 8 general elections further fueled PTI’s discontent. It is noteworthy that this isn’t the first instance of PTI calling for Raja’s resignation. Party leaders, including founding chairman Imran Khan, have previously expressed doubts about Raja’s impartiality, particularly in the aftermath of electoral outcomes deemed unfavorable to PTI’s interests.