The announcement made by the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) highlightsthe reluctance exhibited by several provinces towards conducting generalelections, according to a report by ARY News.
Following a consultative meeting with Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) andPakistan Muslim League Quaid (PML-Q), the Election Commission of Pakistan(ECP) released an official statement regarding the matter.
During this meeting, the TLP spokesperson conveyed to the ECP that thegovernment had expanded the number of Union Councils (UCs) from 50 to 125in the local government (LG) polls held in Islamabad. This alteration wasmade ostensibly to avoid the necessity of conducting the LG polls in thecapital city.
In addition, the TLP put forward a request to the ECP, urging them toorganize elections within a 90-day timeframe. In the event that the processof delimitation couldn’t be completed within this stipulated period, theparty suggested that the commission should consider augmenting its staffingresources.
The Chief Election Commissioner emphasized that the ECP is obligated toconduct LG polls in accordance with the provincial LG laws. He furtherstated that the commission would take on the responsibility of overseeingthe financial aspects and expenditures related to the election campaigns.
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Echoing support for the ECP’s stance, the consultative committee of thePakistan Muslim League Quaid (PML-Q) endorsed the decision to align generalelections with the 2023 census.
As the delimitation process reaches its conclusion, the ECP disclosed itsintention to unveil the election schedule promptly. It reaffirmed itscommitment to uphold the constitutional framework while preparing for theupcoming elections.
