EC can't interfere in returning officers' work: secretary

ISLAMABAD: Election Commission (EC) Secretary Ishtiaq Ahmed has said that the law allowed returning officers to approve or reject the nomination papers of candidates after conducting scrutiny and no institution including Election Commission (EC) could interfere in it.

Talking to media men here in Islamabad, Secretary EC Ishtiaq Ahmed said that his motive is to hold fair and free elections. Returning officers were called from Judiciary by keeping in view the demands of political parties which came in September 2012.

Replying to a question, Ishtiaq said that returning officers are allowed under law to approve or disapprove nomination papers after scrutiny.