ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan on Monday rejected a resolution passed by the Senate earlier this month seeking delay in the February 8 general elections, saying all arrangements had been completed. And it would not be “appropriate” to postpone the planned elections.
On January 5, the upper house of parliament passed a non-binding resolution demanding a delay in the general election, citing cold weather and security concerns, increasing political uncertainty in the country.
The motion, introduced by independent senator Dilawar Khan, received overwhelming support in the Senate, but major political parties termed it “unconstitutional”. It was passed in the presence of only 14 MPs out of 100 members of the Senate. In a statement on Monday, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) said it deliberated on the proposal and found that instructions were issued to the caretaker federal and provincial governments to “strengthen the security matrix” and provide a “voter-friendly environment”. Were done. For peaceful elections.
The apex electoral body said it has made all necessary arrangements regarding the conduct of the general elections, while also giving a commitment to the Supreme Court to hold the elections on February 8, 2024, Dawn newspaper reported.
“Similarly, it would not be inappropriate to mention here that in the past, general elections and local government elections have been held in the winter season,” it said.
According to the report, the letter said it would not be “appropriate” for the ECP to postpone the general elections “at this stage”.
Meanwhile, MLA Khan on Monday wrote a letter to Senate Chairman Sadiq Sanjrani, saying it was “disappointing” that despite the passage of the motion moved by him, no action has been taken by the Election Commission to delay the general elections. “Concrete steps” have not been taken. Upper House of Parliament.
Saying that the resolution “accurately reflects the collective aspirations of the House”, Dilawar said, “However, despite the Senate’s express insistence and subsequent sending of a copy of the resolution to the ECP, it is disappointing that no concrete No action has been taken.” ECP calls for postponement of general elections scheduled for 8 February. Dilawar said that as the proponent of the resolution, he “strongly believed” that the concerns expressed in the resolution should be addressed immediately.
Dilawar was quoted as saying, “It is imperative that we trace the progress and ensure that the postponement of the general elections scheduled for February 8, allows effective participation of people from all regions of Pakistan and across the political spectrum in the electoral process ” As stated in the report.
The non-binding motion tabled by Dilawar was rejected by major political parties, stating that further delaying the electoral process would be “unconstitutional”.
A counter motion was presented in the Senate by Senator Mushtaq Ahmed Khan, stressing the need to adhere to “constitutional requirements” and ensure timely conduct of elections.
Meanwhile, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) unanimously filed a demand for a Senate session last week to hold elections on time.
Two identical resolutions demanding delay in the general elections were tabled in Pakistan’s Senate within a span of two days on Friday and Sunday. Cold weather and security concerns were cited in these proposals to postpone the elections.
A resolution passed by the Senate has no legal authority to delay an election, but such documents have moral force and can be used in litigation as evidence against elected representatives.
