‘Set fire to such institutions’; Swati levels serious allegations against ECP

Federal Minister, Azam Swati in a standing committee meeting accused the Election Commission of selling elections in the Presidency, accusing EC members of embezzling money.

Reports quoting sources said that there was a heated debate in Senate standing committee on parliamentary affairs and Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), following which Azam Swati claimed that the ECP has taken money from companies.

However, the opposition Senators objected, saying Swati cannot accuse a constitutional body of taking bribes, and asked for proof. 

Swati then added that such institutions conduct all elections through rigging and should be burned down.

The Special Secretary EC, Zafar Iqbal Malik has informed the Chief Election Commissioner about the incident that took place in the standing committee following which the Election Commissioner summoned an emergency meeting.

Azam Swati said that we do not want to tarnish the image of the Senate, however, the EC should be removed from the constitution.

He further added that the government should give time to amend the constitution and hold general elections.

Meanwhile, the Chief Election Commissioner has expressed grave concern over the allegation.

The Election Commission is expected to respond strongly to the allegations made by the government ministers.