The Election Commission of Pakistan on Monday reserved its verdict on the appeal of Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah against the fine the ECP imposed on him for violating the code of conduct, reported 24NewsHD TV channel. 

The Interior Minister’s counsel appeared before the election commission and informed it that his client was fined without prior notice. Upon that the ECP KP Member questioned “Rana Sanaullah responded in accordance with the DMO directive. How did he submit his response if the notice was not received?”

In response, the counsel stated that the notification that was responded, contained no penalty but only a warning.

The chief election commissioner then proceeded to question “Had Rana Sanaullah not violated the code of conduct?”

The counsel argued that when the Interior Minister stepped out after voting, the media people asked questions, Rana Sanullah merely answered the questions on voting process and got fined.

On that point, Rana Sanaullah's lawyer concluded his arguments. 

During the hearing, the Special Secretary Election Commission stated that Rana Sanaullah held a press conference on the precincts of the polling station, and during that media talk Rana Sanaullah revealed that he voted for Abid Sher Ali.

An action should also be taken for non-secrecy of vote, he maintained.

Meanwhile, the KP Member said that a separate notice has to be issued for secrecy of vote. 

Slogans were also raised during Rana Sanaullah's media conference, according to Special Secretary Election Commission. Following that, the chief of the election commission inquired, "What action did the returning officer take on sloganeering?" 

To which, the special secretary of election commission said that the chanters were asked to leave, and Rana Sanaullah was also ordered to leave the polling station.

Moreover, the chief election commissioner questioned, Rana Sanaullah said he has voted for Abid Sher Ali, what you say on this point?

“If secrecy is to be maintained like this, then the ballot paper should be stamped publicly,” added Member Punjab. 

The Election Commission reserved its verdict on Rana Sanaullah's appeal against the Rs10,000 fine.

Reporter: Usman Khan