CJP Isa Declares Forms 45 and 75 Irrelevant in Election Results

In a significant development regarding the electoral process in Pakistan, Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa has made a striking statement about the relevance of election-related Forms 45 and 75. During a recent court hearing, he asserted that these forms hold no importance once the ballot boxes are opened, emphasizing that the true decision of an election is determined solely by the votes cast.

This statement arose during the hearing of a petition filed by Ghulam Rasool, a candidate from the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), who sought a recount of votes from the Balochistan Assembly constituency PB-14, Naseerabad. The Chief Justice's remarks come in the wake of the February 8 elections, which were marred by allegations of interference and manipulation, particularly from opposition parties like the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). The PTI has been vocal about its concerns, labeling the current government as a "Form 47" government, referring to alleged discrepancies in the election results.

Form 45, known as the Presiding Officer's Results of the Count, is designed to record the number of votes cast at polling stations and the votes received by each candidate. Its purpose is to ensure transparency and prevent any alterations during the counting process. However, CJP Isa's comments suggest that once the votes are counted, the forms lose their significance. He stated, "Form 45 or 75 does not have any status" in the face of actual votes, highlighting that the most crucial evidence in elections is the votes themselves.

During the court proceedings, the three-member bench, which included Justices Shahid Bilal Hassan and Naeem Akhtar Afghan, dismissed the PPP candidate's plea for a recount, citing a lack of evidence to support the allegations of fraud. The bench upheld the victory of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) candidate, Muhammad Khan Lehri, reinforcing the idea that the electoral process must be respected and upheld based on factual evidence.

The Chief Justice further challenged the petitioner's counsel, questioning the basis of their claims against the presiding officers. He pointed out that the presiding officers had presented original records, while the counsel relied on copies. This exchange underscored the importance of having solid evidence when making claims about electoral misconduct.

CJP Isa's remarks serve as a reminder of the integrity of the electoral process in Pakistan. While allegations of manipulation and bias are serious and warrant attention, the judiciary emphasizes the need for concrete evidence to support such claims. As the political landscape continues to evolve, it is crucial for all stakeholders to engage in the electoral process with transparency and accountability, ensuring that the voice of the people is heard and respected.