Karachi, Hyderabad LG polls in doldrum again

Sindh govt writes letter to ECP, informing it about MQM-P’s concerns over constituencies

KARACHI:

The local government elections in Karachi and Hyderabad divisions are likely to be postponed yet again after the PPP-led Sindh government’s new letter to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) that cites the MQM-P’s stance seeking correction and changes in the fresh delimitation of LG constituencies in both of them.

The letter also mentioned that the MQM-P had moved the Supreme Court for the purpose.

The opinion of the advocate general Sindh on the changes in LG constituencies in the two divisions as well as his legal points have also been included in the letter written to the provincial election commissioner.

There is a possibility of changes in the LG constituencies in Karachi and Hyderabad divisions, leading to concerns that the polls might be postponed once again.

The ECP will now make a decision on the provincial government’s letter.

Sources said that fresh delimitation of Karachi and Hyderabad LG constituencies could be conducted in light of the opinion of the advocate general Sindh and court decisions.

The second phase of the LG polls in Karachi and Hyderabad divisions are scheduled to be held on the 15th of the next month.

It may be recalled that Karachi and Hyderabad were supposed to hold the second round of LG elections on July 24 this year.

However, the Sindh administration excused itself from holding the polls over the lack of security and police presence  because of the flooding.

Later, the local body elections were rescheduled for August 28.

Moreover, as the elections did not take place on that day, the date was again set as October 23.

However, the polls were postponed on that date too.

The MQM-P has taken a stand that elections should not be held until the necessary legislation, constituencies, and voters’ lists were corrected.

The party has also said that the elections should not be held unless local governments and constituencies were given their due authority.

Last month, the Sindh High Court, on petitions filed by the PTI and Jamaat-e-Islami, observed that the Sindh government had delayed the polls on the pretext of floods and lack of security.

However, it added that the provincial government was supposed to devise a solution after such a lengthy period.

The lack of security could not be used as an excuse to postpone elections continuously.

The SHC directed the ECP to announce the date for local government elections in Karachi and Hyderabad within 15 days and  complete the process for the polls within two months.