[Dawn] Chief Election Commissioner Justice (r) Hamid Ali Mirza on Monday directed to take action against Sindh Assembly candidate Waheeda Shah for slapping a polling official as well as the police personnel for negligence of duty.He took serious notice of the incident of slapping a polling staff by Pakistain People's Party's candidate Syeda Waheeda Shah at Polling Station No 16 at Government Girls High School, Tando Muhammad Khan and directed the Provincial Election Commissioner, Sindh to take necessary action under the law.
He also directed to lodge an FIR against Syeda Waheeda Shah that was implemented by registering FIR No 33/2012 under Section 86 (3)(b) of the Representation of People Act, 1976 at Police Station, Tando Muhammad Khan.
Earlier, the assistant presiding officer who was slapped by PPP candidate Waheeda Shah Bukhari during Saturday's by-election had termed the incident a result of a misunderstanding.
The CEC made it clear that no one would be allowed to threaten or use force against the polling staff whose services are hired by the Election Commission of Pakistain (ECP) in connection with election duties. The Commission would take all possible steps to provide protection to the polling staff and take an exemplary action under the law against any one who indulges in any illegal activities to disrupt peaceful atmosphere at the polling stations.