- Says resolution lacks any legal binding, therefore holds no sway over electoral process
- JI introduces fresh resolution in Senate, seeking timely elections
ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Saturday categorically declared that the upcoming general elections will proceed as planned on February 8th, clearing the air, day after Senate passed a non-resolution demanding a delay in elections.
Moreover, Jamaat-e-Islami Senator Mushtaq Ahmed Khan submitted a fresh resolution in the Senate secretariat, urging for timely conduct of the general elections.
ECP’s statement comes day after the upper house of the parliament passed a resolution, with a thin majority of only 14 members, seeking a delay in the general elections, scheduled for Feb 8, 2024.
Dismissing the Senate’s non-binding resolution, in a firm statement, the ECP declared that only orders issued by the Supreme Court have the power to alter the established election schedule.
The Senate’s controversial resolution cited concerns about security threats, harsh winter conditions, and potential disenfranchisement of voters in certain regions.
However, the ECP remained unmoved by these arguments and emphasized its constitutional mandate to conduct timely and transparent elections. In the statement, the ECP effectively highlighted all necessary preparations for the February 8th polling. The electoral watchdog further clarified that the Senate resolution lacked any legal binding and therefore holds no sway over the electoral process.
‘Fresh resolution lands in Senate’
On the other hand, a new resolution was submitted in the Senate on Saturday, seeking adherence to “constitutional requirements” and timely conduct of the general elections.
The resolution was tabled day after the upper house of the Parliament had on Friday passed the resolution seeking to delay the polls due to security concerns.
In the latest development, JI Senator Mushtaq Ahmed Khan submitted a fresh resolution in the Senate secretariat, urging that polls should be conducted on time.
The inclusion of the resolution in the agenda of the upcoming session of the Senate remains uncertain, as the date for the session has not been confirmed.
“I introduce this resolution in the house, asserting that conducting elections is a constitutional requirement. It is the fundamental responsibility of the Election Commission of Pakistan and the caretaker government to ensure the timely holding of elections,” reads the draft of the resolution.
The resolution further stated that a verdict of the Supreme Court of Pakistan regarding the polls was in field while the ECP had also announced that elections would be held on Feb 8, 2024.
It termed the resolution passed on Friday by the Senate seeking delay in polls as “unconstitutional and undemocratic”.
The JI senator’s resolution emphasised that the Senate lacked the authority to act contrary to constitutional mandates.
“Therefore, this resolution calls for the insistence that free and fair elections be conducted in accordance with the directives of the Supreme Court of Pakistan,” it asserted.
The resolution further called for ensuring a level playing field for all political parties. It urged the nullification of the resolution passed by the upper house on Friday.
Meanwhile, Senator Dilawar denied that he had brought the resolution for poll delay at someone’s direction.
Speaking to media, Khan clarified that the resolution wasn’t introduced abruptly, adding that extensive consultations had taken place on the matter with the Balochistan Awami Party.
“The resolution was put forward following a consensus within the BAP,” he emphasized.
In the same programme, BAP Secretary-General Senator Manzoor Kakar said that a four-month delay in elections wouldn’t be detrimental. He called on all political parties to unite in support of the resolution passed by the Senate.
