Senate calls on ECP to hold timely polls

The Senate has passed a resolution calling on the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to take necessary steps for holding general elections according to the timeframe defined in Article 224 of the Constitution.

The resolution, presented by JI Senator Mushtaq Ahmad, also urged all state institutions to assist the ECP in ensuring the smooth conduct of the polls.

The resolution came as the government prepared to dissolve the National Assembly on Wednesday, three days ahead of its scheduled term, with elections expected to be held within 90 days.

However, misgivings about a potential delay were triggered after some ministers hinted at such a possibility due to certain constitutional requirements.

Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah recently stated that 2023 was not an election year, while Defence Minister Khawaja Asif mentioned that the polls were "due in November".

On Aug 1, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasised that elections would be conducted based on the latest census data, sparking concerns and opposition.

Nonetheless, despite opposition from some ruling allies, including the PPP, the Council of Common Interests (CCI) approved the results of the 2023 digital census on Saturday.

Following the CCI's ratification, which made it almost certain that general elections might not be held this year due to the compulsory requirement for fresh delimitation, the federal government shifted the responsibility of conducting the polls within the next three months on to the ECP.

The resolution passed in the Senate emphasised that the Supreme Court ruled that conducting elections under Article 224 of the Constitution, after the completion or dissolution of the National Assembly, was a "divine" responsibility that could not be ignored.

In light of these directives, the Supreme Court called upon all state institutions to provide full support to the ECP, ensuring that the electoral process was carried out diligently and in accordance with constitutional mandates.

The court emphasised the importance of upholding the rule of law and preserving the democratic fabric of Pakistan.

The Supreme Court’s resolute commitment to upholding the constitutional framework underscored the significance of timely and transparent elections as a cornerstone of Pakistan’s democratic progress.

The court’s clarifications provided a clear roadmap for the seamless continuation of democratic governance and served as a testament to Pakistan’s unwavering dedication to its constitutional ideals, the resolution maintained.

It stated that individuals and institutions had jurisdiction only as defined by the law or the Constitution, and that the caretaker government was strictly appointed to oversee elections and make day-to-day decisions.

"Therefore, this House demands the ECP to ensure holding polls within the stipulated period of time given under Article 224 of the Constitution and take all necessary measures in this regard," the resolution stated.

“The House also calls on state institutions to provide all possible assistance to the ECP in conducting elections on time and fulfilling its constitutional responsibility.”