Election date!

ECP informs SC that it is ready to conduct ballot on February 11, 2024

It was a good day for constitutional norms and representative rule. The Electoral watchdog finally on Thursday informed the Supreme Court that it is ready to conduct the ballot on February 11, 2024, and assured that the tedious process of renewed delimitations shall be completed by January 29. It was a moment of euphoria for civil polity and the political parties, alike, as the country is visibly moving towards general elections after a prolonged fractured era of abject political instability. The apex court, however, made it more momentous as it directed the Election Commission and the Attorney General to take the head of state on board, so that all misgivings and constitutional lacunas are addressed in an amicable manner. This observation of Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa had volumes of wisdom hidden behind it as the top court wanted to undo the estrangement that had bred between the Presidency and the ECP. The intention, perhaps, of the wise three-member bench was to bury the hatchet and ensure that the nation goes to poll on a common denominator of consensus and fair play.

Thursday’s dictum brings to full circle the riddle of holding elections. Nonetheless, it is a foregone conclusion that the bus has been missed and the elections cannot be held within the constitutional stipulated period of 90 days. This is for the second time in the last 19 months that organs of the state had shied away from discharging their responsibility of conducting elections. This is where it seems the Lords will pronounce their final word to assure that let bygones be bygones. The CJP stance that the election date given would have to be implemented is of immense value, and this is where the faith of the nation rests. Similarly, his utterance that the court wants polls to be held without any arguments and petitions regarding any delays would not be entertained are writing on the wall. Time for the court to rule that a transparent and credible ballot with all political forces on board is indispensable.

 

Published in The Express Tribune, November 3^rd, 2023.

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