National Reconstruction Bureau (NRB) Chairman Danyal Aziz while rejecting the opposition's charges of rigging in the first phase of local bodies' elections said on Friday that such allegations were baseless and unfounded.
Talking to a private TV channel he said the elections were held in free and transparent manner for which the Election Commission of Pakistan deserves appreciation.
He said public as well as candidates took enthusiastic part in polls and the turnout remained satisfactory. Occurrence of minor incidents in such a large-scale election is a normal thing, he said adding that overall situation remained peaceful and conducive.
He said heavy turnout in elections showed the level of confidence on part of general public in devolution plan.
He said the system, which promises massive development activity at grass roots level would further be strengthened in future.
Danyal said it has been a common trend in the country that whenever an individual or a party met defeat in elections, it started levelling baseless rigging charges.
This is a sort of face saving strategy by the defeated elements, he added.