Just delimitations crucial, CJ tells ECP

CJP highlights public interest in carving out new constituencies

ISLAMABAD:

Chief Justice of Pakistan, Umar Ata Bandial, on Tuesday emphasized the need for transparent delimitations by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) during proceedings related to alleged mistakes and irregularities in the delimitation process for constituencies PS-07, PS-08, and PS-09 in Shikarpur district of Sindh.

The Supreme Court, composed of a two-judge bench featuring the Chief Justice and Justice Sayyed Mazahar Ali Akbar Naqvi, referred the matter back to the commission for review.

Discussion during the hearing also turned to the upcoming general elections. Inquiring about the election date, Justice Bandial noted that the silence of the ECP's director general (law) implied that a date had not yet been finalized.

Stressing the importance of transparent delimitations, Justice Bandial underscored that this process was of great public interest and had been brought before the court on multiple occasions.

Justice Bandial further highlighted that any modifications made by revenue officials to the dotted circles during delimitation could significantly impact candidates' electoral prospects.

He pointed out the heightened sensitivity surrounding delimitations, particularly in the province of Sindh. The chief justice directed the ECP to resolve all issues before the upcoming elections and referred the plea back to the commission for necessary actions.

Read ECP mulls delimitations issue today

Subsequently, the Supreme Court issued a written order indicating that the ECP had defended its decision concerning constituencies in Sindh under Election Rules 10(4).

The order clarified that altering the boundary of a constituency through adjustments to the dotted circle was not permissible for revenue officials, as per Election Rules.

The petitioners had challenged the delimitation of three Shikarpur constituencies, which the ECP rejected as overdue. The court noted that, according to the Election Act, there was no time limit for submitting an application to the commission.

Highlighting an incorrect position adopted by the ECP in court, the Supreme Court provided the commission an opportunity to address the objections raised by the petitioners and make a decision. It cautioned that failing this, the court would proceed to adjudicate the matter itself. The next hearing for the case is scheduled after the summer vacation.

The proceedings underscored the significance of transparent and accurate delimitations to uphold the integrity of the electoral process.