“Appointment of Favoured Candidate Without Vote a Mockery of Democracy,” Says Sardarzada Mir Saeed Jan Lango
Qalat: Sardarzada Mir Saeed Jan Lango, a candidate of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Pakistan for Provincial Assembly seat PB-36 Qalat-Mangochar, has alleged that democracy is being mocked in Balochistan through the appointment of a “favoured candidate” without a proper electoral mandate.
Addressing a press conference at Qalat Press Club, Lango claimed that the office of the Interior Ministry was allegedly kept reserved for a preferred individual for nearly 20 months, and that in some polling stations voting did not even take place, yet a notification was issued declaring the candidate successful.
He said that despite what he described as irregularities, he himself was elected with a clear majority and demanded that the Election Commission of Pakistan immediately issue the official notification of his victory, claiming a lead of over 2,300 votes.
Lango alleged that false FIRs were registered against him on election day as part of a conspiracy, but stated that he has now received relief from the court in that case.
He further claimed that the District Returning Officer (DRO) and Deputy Commissioner Qalat were involved in corruption and unfair practices to influence the election outcome. He also alleged that large sums of money were being used to manipulate officials, calling for strict action against such officers.
The JUI-F leader said that since the appointment of the Interior Minister, his constituency of Mangochar has faced worsening conditions, including repeated curfews, closure of markets, and people being forced to stay indoors. He warned that the situation has become so severe that residents are compelled to migrate.
He announced that his party will continue to pursue the case in the Election Tribunal on April 27 and will use all constitutional and legal forums to defend his mandate.
Lango also rejected rumours of leaving his party, stating that he has no intention of doing so and enjoys full support from party leadership at all levels. He urged authorities to respect the public mandate and ensure the release of his election notification.
