ECP dismisses Senate resolution on poll delay

Stresses its commitment made before SC to hold polls Feb 8

ISLAMABAD:

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Monday dismissed the Senate resolution seeking poll delay due to harsh winter weather, asserting that all preparations are in place and that pushing the date was "inadvisable”.

In a letter addressed to the Joint Secretary (Legislation) of the Senate, the ECP conveyed that it would not be prudent to postpone the general elections at this stage. Additionally, the resolution of the upper house of Parliament cannot be currently implemented.

The electoral body revealed that it discussed the resolution during the meeting and noted that caretaker governments have received instructions for “beefing up security matrix and provide congenial environment to the electorate” to ensure peaceful elections.

In addition, it said it was committed to the Supreme Court for holding elections on February 8, 2024. Similarly, it emphasised that it is relevant to mention that previous general elections and local government polls have occurred during the winter season.

Moreover, the ECP underscored the precedent of holding general elections and local government polls during the winter season, emphasizing that such timing had been navigated successfully in the past.

The Senate resolution, submitted by Senator Dilawar Khan on January 5, highlighted harsh weather conditions in hilly areas and a deteriorating security situation as grounds for advocating a delay in the elections.

The resolution gained approval from the sparsely attended house session.

The resolution faced scrutiny for its unexpected discussion and perceived backing from certain factions.

The absence of lawmakers from major political parties raised suspicions, with the resolution passing amid limited attendance.

Criticism of the resolution's passage echoed from politicians and legal circles, branding it a "conspiracy against democracy" and emphasising the imperative of conducting timely elections.

In response, another resolution emerged in the Senate, presented by Senator Mushtaq Ahmed Khan, emphasizing adherence to "constitutional requirements" for the punctual execution of the polls.

Besides, senators from key parties such as PTI, PPP, and Jamaat-e-Islami requisitioned a session specifically to address the importance of conducting free and fair elections on the scheduled date.

Read: ECP’s polling scheme ready

Action urged on resolutionIn a related development on Monday, Independent Senator Dilawar Khan penned a letter to Senate Chairman Sadiq Sanjrani expressing concern over the absence of "concrete measures" taken by the ECP to postpone the general elections despite the resolution passed by the upper House of Parliament.

The senator said that the resolution passed by the Senate on January 5 “aptly reflected the collective aspirations of the House”.

“However, despite the Senate’s explicit urging and the subsequent dispatch of a copy of the resolution to the ECP, it is disconcerting that no tangible steps have been taken by the ECP to postpone the general elections scheduled for February 8,” he said.

As the mover of the resolution, he said he “firmly believed” that the concerns cited in the motion must be promptly addressed.

“The essence of holding free and fair elections appears compromised without a resolution to the issues raised. In light of this, I humbly request your intervention as the custodian of the House,” he said as he sought the status of the recommendations outlined in the resolution.

“It is imperative that we ascertain the progress made and ensure the postponement of the general elections scheduled for February 8, thereby facilitating the effective participation of people from all areas of Pakistan and across the entire political spectrum in the electioneering process,” Dilawar said.

“Your swift attention to this matter is highly appreciated, and I eagerly anticipate an update on the steps taken in this regard,” he concluded in the letter to Sanjrani.