ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan, in collaboration with political parties and their input, has accelerated the timeline for constituency-related work, with the final publication of constituencies now set for November 30, 2023.
Despite this reduction in the constituency timeline, it will result in a breach of the constitutional requirement for elections to be conducted within 90 days after assembly dissolution. Nevertheless, the Election Commission’s decision will lead to a postponement of the elections by several months, which could address certain concerns.
In a statement released by the Election Commission, it is clarified that the reduction in the constituency period aims to expedite the election process, and an adjusted election schedule will be announced accordingly, taking this date into account.
Press release regarding Delimitation #ECP pic.twitter.com/t80Rt29OMk
— Election Commission of Pakistan (OFFICIAL) (@ECP_Pakistan) September 1, 2023
Earlier today, Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja announced an important meeting of the Election Commission after consultations with political parties and considering their feedback. In this meeting, the Election Commission will unveil the revised election schedule after further shortening the constituency period.
This announcement followed the Election Commission’s consultative meeting with the Grand Democratic Alliance delegation, which included Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja, other Election Commission members, the Secretary, and senior officers.
Meeting with Political Party (GDA)#ECP pic.twitter.com/rQEEZObB6h
— Election Commission of Pakistan (OFFICIAL) (@ECP_Pakistan) September 1, 2023
During the meeting, representatives of the Grand Democratic Alliance, including Fahmida Mirza, Dr. Safdar Ali Abbasi, Kashif Nizamani, Ibn Muhammad, Sardar Abdul Rahim, and Irfanullah Khan Marwat (via video link), expressed full support for the Election Commission’s decision to establish new constituencies. They emphasized the importance of transparent elections achieved through the completion of constituency work based on the new census, followed by elections in these new constituencies.
Furthermore, the delegation called for the accurate updating of electoral rolls, compliance with Election Commission orders regarding provincial officer transfers, the appointment of neutral officers as returning officers, and potentially district election commissioners and federal services officers as returning officers. They stressed that after these arrangements are in place, the election schedule should be announced.
The delegation presented an action plan, emphasizing its strict adherence, and proposed the suspension of all local bodies until the elections, along with the appointment of administrators to ensure transparent elections.
Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja reiterated the Election Commission’s responsibility to conduct transparent elections in accordance with the constitution and the law. He acknowledged the significance of the party’s various proposals, assuring that the Election Commission takes these suggestions seriously and will make decisions in alignment with the constitution and laws to ensure transparency.
Finally, the Chief Election Commissioner informed the delegation that an important meeting of the Election Commission had been convened today after consulting with other parties and considering their feedback. In this meeting, the Election Commission will announce the revised election schedule after further reducing the constituency period.
(Islamabad51-Newsdesk)
