PPP, PML-N split on election timing

The ongoing debate surrounding the forthcoming elections in Pakistan has escalated, with the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) strongly advocating for timely elections while engaging in a robust exchange with the caretaker government and the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).

Adding to the complexity, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has also entered the fray, endorsing the ECP's decision to conduct a fresh delimitation of constituencies before holding the elections.

As tensions run high and the political landscape becomes increasingly charged, the PPP has wasted no time in making its case for elections to be held within 90 days. This assertive stance comes in direct response to the PML-N’s support for delimitation before the elections, as proposed by the ECP. The PML-N's alignment with the ECP's decision is rooted in the belief that conducting delimitations before polls would enhance the electoral process.

Read: ECP urged to delimit constituencies of equal population

Amidst these developments, the PPP has taken proactive steps to reinforce its position. The party has announced that a delegation, led by former Prime Minister Senator Yousaf Raza Gilani, will meet the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) on August 29. The objective of this meeting is to convey the party's resolute stance on the importance of holding general elections within the stipulated 90-day timeframe. 

The PPP's leadership aims to emphasize that any deviation from the explicit provisions of the law would constitute a violation of the constitution itself.

The decision to engage directly with the ECP comes after a crucial meeting of the central executive committee at the Bilawal House. During this gathering, senior PPP leaders, including Sherry Rehman, Shazia Marri, Syed Murad Ali Shah, Faisal Karim Kundi, Nayyar Hussain Bukhari, and Qamar Zaman Kaira, gathered to deliberate on the matter and arrive at a firm party decision. It is evident that the PPP's leadership is resolute in its demand for timely elections and is taking all necessary steps to ensure their position is heard.

Sherry Rehman, a prominent PPP figure, articulated the party's concerns about the prevailing economic crisis. She underscored the crucial role that an elected government plays in addressing national challenges and finding viable solutions. Rehman further pointed out the contentious nature of the census, emphasizing that the electoral process cannot be delayed due to such issues. Throughout this debate, the PPP has consistently maintained its commitment to avoiding any potential constitutional political crisis.

In a parallel narrative, the PML-N delegation, featuring prominent leaders like Ahsan Iqbal, Rana Sanaullah, Azam Nazeer Tarar, and Ataullah Tarar, held discussions with the CEC.

The PML-N endorsed the ECP’s plan for delimitations before the elections and proposed simultaneous updates of electoral lists. The party also recommended a re-evaluation of the election code of conduct, calling for stricter regulations on hate speech and campaign expenses. In a noteworthy suggestion, the PML-N advocated for media campaigns to be exclusively conducted by political parties, thus limiting the role of individual candidates.

Read more: ECP hints at timely polls

The Chief Election Commissioner assured the PML-N delegation of the ECP's unwavering commitment to a transparent and impartial electoral process. He highlighted the ECP's determination to take stringent legal action against violations of the code of conduct, thereby ensuring the integrity of the elections.

Ahsan Iqbal conveyed that the ECP assured the sharing of the code of conduct with political parties. Furthermore, he stated the Election Commission committed to implementing effective measures in response to concerns raised after incidents in 2018.

Addressing the gathering, Rana Sanaullah mentioned that the constituency delimitation process would conclude by December 14. Subsequently, the election schedule for the 54-day period will be released.

During the meeting, the PML-N delegation raised concerns about issues like the breakdown of the Result Transmission System (RTS) and result delays, similar to occurrences in 2018. They suggested strictly enforcing the code of conduct to reduce election expenses and prevent the spread of divisive politics.