Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has decided to take strict action against the elements involved in an alleged video in which voters can be seen allegedly receiving bribes by contesting party members before Lahore's much anticipated NA-133 by-election.
The by-election is scheduled to take place on December 5 but controversy has already reared its ugly head.
The war for votes between PML-N and PPP for the by-poll had gone beyond the constituency to social media Sunday, where a viral video appeared to show voters being bribed by the contesting party members.
The ECP held a meeting Monday, chaired by the election commissioner of Punjab to review arrangements before the by-election.
The meeting was attended by the Lahore deputy commissioner, returning officer, district returning officer, and Pakistan Rangers officials.
During the meeting, the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA), Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) and other authorities concerned were directed to prepare a report on the viral video and send it to the commission immediately.
"Strict action will be taken against the elements involved [in the incident] as soon as the report is received," the meeting decided.
It was stated in the meeting that the successful candidate may be disqualified if he/she is found to be involved in the video scandal.
The meeting also decided that the Rangers personnel will patrol the constituency on the day of the election while police will be responsible for maintaining law and order in the surroundings of polling stations.
The participants of the meeting were informed that the polling material has been handed over to the returning officer.
Moreover, 21 out of 254 polling stations in the constituency were declared extremely sensitive, 199 were declared sensitive and 34 were declared normal.
Participants agreed that the number of CCTV cameras and police personnel should be increased at polling stations deemed extremely sensitive.
The ECP's Punjab spokesperson said that the election commissioner of Punjab informed the chief election commissioner of Pakistan about the decisions made at the meeting.
