Polls on time

Electoral watchdog has once again given assurance that elections will be held on Feb 8

The electoral watchdog has once again given an assurance that elections will be held on February 8 next year, and shunned reports of delay. What gives credence to the assurance is that it has published the final delimitation list of constituencies for national and provincial assemblies. This has come amid rumours that the ballot is unlikely to be held, with social media particularly ripe with theories of exigency. The Election Commission categorically made it clear that it plans to move to PEMRA against peddlers of fake news, and also to tame some electronic channels for their alleged over-stretching.

The point is that concerns on the part of citizenry too were not unfounded, as there were moves from certain quarters such as filing of petitions for postponing the polls citing weather and law and order excuses. Likewise, it was widely noticed that the ECP is yet to issue an election schedule, and the level of pro-activeness on the part of political parties is muted. Last but not least, the consultation process of the watchdog with political parties had led to resentment for few, and a feeling that one is being picked over another. But it is a good omen that the ECP has stood fast with its word, and the ballot surely seems to be round the corner.

The general elections on time, as decided on February 8, in consultation with the President of Pakistan and the Supreme Court are indispensable. The apex court had already observed that none should talk in pessimism over the holding of polls and, thus, it should monitor the same too. It will come as a great relief if a formal schedule for submission of candidature credentials, scrutiny and final pronouncement of the list is made available instantly. It will act as a catalyst and set the ball rolling. Free, fair and transparent elections are the only solution to our ills, and the ECP must act non-partisan as a constitutional body to ensure the same in all humility as per law.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 2^nd, 2023.

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