ECP denies issuing election schedule

Spokesperson dismisses news report as baseless

ISLAMABAD:

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has rebuffed a news report claiming the issuance of the schedule for the forthcoming general elections, scheduled for February 8, 2024. In a press release on Sunday, the ECP clarified that it has not yet released the election schedule, emphasizing that the circulated schedule on social media platforms is false.

The commission highlighted ongoing instances of various statements being disseminated regarding the ECP. It specifically referenced an Urdu language daily's December 10 publication on alleged consultations over petitions filed with the ECP, outright rejecting its validity. Stressing reliance on official spokesperson statements, the ECP urged the public to disregard any information purportedly from the commission but not verified by its official representative.

Read More: ECP to announce polls schedule in a few days: CEC

On Thursday, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikandar Sultan Raja had said the commission would announce the election schedule in the coming few days. In his message on National Voters Day, Raja had noted that printing and delivery of the final electoral rolls had concluded. He had stated that the ECP would notify the district returning officers, returning officers, and assistant officers in the coming days.

He had said the commission was fully aware of all its constitutional and legal responsibilities. Emphasising the ECP’s complete preparedness and commitment, he had assured voters of complete security throughout the election process. Raja had also assured that people would be able to exercise their right to vote with privacy and transparency in the polls.

An election schedule outlines the timetable of key dates and events related to an upcoming election. It includes various important milestones and activities leading up to and following election day. The schedule typically includes dates for voter registration deadlines, nomination filing deadlines for candidates, campaign periods, polling day, and the announcement of election results.

Read More: PTI urges ECP to publish party poll certificate

The election schedule ensures that the electoral process is conducted in an organized and systematic manner, providing transparency and guidance to candidates, voters, and election officials. Last week, on December 6, the finance ministry released Rs17.4 billion funds to the ECP, silencing the rumours about further delay in the general elections.

The ministry released funds only after the finance secretary was summoned by the ECP for not honouring its request sent to the ministry on November 14 for the release of Rs17.4 billion. The request remained stuck up in the Q-Block for over three weeks. Sources said one of the reasons for the delay was a request for the re-allocation of another Rs10 billion that the ECP had surrendered in the previous fiscal year.

The delay in release of funds had triggered a debate about further deferring of the elections. The matter has remained in the spotlight time and again ever since the dissolution of legislatures three days before completion of their five-year terms on August 9.