SC seeks reasons for LG polls delay in Punjab, Sindh

ECP had assured to hold the polls in both provinces by Sept 26.

ISLAMABAD: The apex court has directed the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), Punjab and Sindh provincial governments to submit written reasons today (Wednesday) regarding the delay of Local Government (LG) elections.

The three-judge bench, headed by Justice Jawwad S Khawaja, who heard the ECP petition regarding postponement of elections in Sindh and Punjab, has observed that only after examining the report it would be able to pass an appropriate order. During the hearing, Justice Khawaja said: “The Punjab and the Sindh provincial governments should seek apology from its citizens” and demanded justifications for the delay.

The court also expressed annoyance over the Sindh advocate general’s absence and ordered his appearance today (Wednesday) before the bench.

Earlier, the ECP had successfully held LG elections in Khyber Pukhtoonkhawa (K-P), Balochistan, and Cantonment Boards, and had to initiate the process for holding the polls in Islamabad Capital Territory, Sindh and Punjab, but due to floods it had sought time from the apex court.

According to the earlier proposed schedule, the ECP had assured to hold LG polls in both provinces by September 26.

Advocate General Punjab Naveed Rasool informed the court that he had earlier stated that in the months of August and September floods were expected in the country, adding that a large number of army officers will be busy with relief work.

He added that on October 14 & 15 law enforcement officers would be deployed for security during ‘Muharram’, while maintaining that due to floods the local people have migrated to other locations and relief activities are still underway in the affected areas.

Munir Paracha, representing ECP, also stated that since the forces were currently occupied in Punjab the commission was weighing whether to hold elections in two or three phases.

Phase-I of the elections would be held in those areas where there are no floods, while in Phase-II, the polls could be conducted in the Seraiki belt including Dera Ghazi Khan, Liyya and Bhakar, while the whole election process would be completed by March 10.

Justice Jawwad said these reasons amongst others were why he was asking for the report to be filed on the difficulties being faced, in black and white, and after examining the same, the bench would be better equipped to pass an appropriate order.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 12^th, 2015.