The Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN) has reported widespread rigging in by-polls held in two constituencies in Sindh and one in Punjab on February 18.
By-elections were held in PP-239 (Vehari-VIII) Punjab and PS-73 (Jamshoro-cum-Dadu) and PS-84 (Thatta-I) in Sindh.
Election personnel and political workers were seen stamping empty ballot papers at three polling stations in PS-73 and PP-239.
FAFEN observers noted that the presiding officer at polling station 134 of PS-84 was biased in favour of a candidate and was seen supporting a party agent to stamp ballot papers (Book No. 1377).
Security personnel were seen trying to persuade election staff to favour certain candidates at a polling station in PP-239. Influential persons, armed candidates and their armed supporters were seen trying to influence polling officials at polling stations.
Published in The Express Tribune, February 20th, 2013.
http://tribune.com.pk/story/509914/election-trailer-fafen-reports-rigging-in-feb-18-by-polls/