ISLAMABAD, Sep 01 (NNI): A meeting, chaired by Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikandar Sultan Raja, decided to shorten the duration of the delimitation of constituencies and declared that the delimitation process would be completed by November 30, 2023.
“The objective of shortening the duration of the delimitation process is to hold elections as soon as possible,” the meeting said. “Keeping this date in mind, the election schedule will also be announced,” it added.
“The ECP shortened the duration of the delimitation process in view of the recommendations of the political parties,” it stated.
Earlier on August 31, Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja said that the delimitation process would be completed by December 14, 2023.
He stated this while holding meetings with delegations of the Awami National Party (ANP), Balochistan Awami Party (BAP)and Balochistan National Party (BNP) in Islamabad.
“The ECP intends to further reduce the duration of the delimitation process and will announce the election schedule immediately thereafter,” he had said.
On August 30, the ECP assured the delegation of Awami National Party (ANP) that general elections would be held in February 2024.
The ECP held consultations with the political parties on the electoral process in the country.
Besides ANP, a delegation of the Balochistan Awami Party (BNP) also met the CEC and ECP members.
Consultations were also held with the delegations of both parties on the roadmap for upcoming elections.
The ECP also held consultations with the delegations of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI), Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P), Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) and Tehreek-e-Labaik Pakistan (TLP).
GDA urges suspension of Sindh LGs
The Grand Democratic Alliance (GDA) delegation, during their meeting with the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Friday in Islamabad, pressed for the suspension of Sindh Local Governments (LG) and the installation of administrators to ensure transparency in the upcoming general elections.
During a consultative meeting chaired by Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikandar Sultan Raja, the delegation urged the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to suspend Sindh Local Governments (LG) and appoint administrators to ensure transparency in the upcoming general elections.
The GDA delegation emphasized the importance of adhering to the Election Commission’s directives for transferring and appointing provincial officers. They noted that despite the Chief Election Commissioner’s letters to the Caretaker Chief Ministers, the transfers have not been carried out.
They also proposed the appointment of unbiased Returning Officers, and if feasible, District Election Commissioners and Officers from Federal Services could assume the role of Returning Officers. After completing all these arrangements, the Election Schedule should be announced.
The delegation expressed unwavering support for the Election Commission’s fresh delimitation plan, emphasizing that a transparent election process hinges on proper delimitation. Consequently, the delimitation should align with the latest census data, and elections should follow the updated boundaries. They also recommended revising the electoral rolls to guarantee accurate and up-to-date voter information.
Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Election Commissioner affirmed that conducting transparent elections within the bounds of the constitution and the law is the foremost duty of the Election Commission.
He recognized the GDA’s recommendations and pledged that the Election Commission would thoroughly evaluate these proposals and make decisions in full compliance with the constitution and the law.
Furthermore, he provided assurance that the delimitation process would be conducted transparently.
The Chief Election Commissioner conveyed to the delegation that the Election Commission has scheduled a crucial meeting on Friday with various political parties. Considering the consultations and feedback from these parties, the Election Commission will proceed to announce the election schedule. This announcement will follow a further reduction in the duration of the delimitation process.
Members Election Commission, Secretary ECP and other senior officers also attended the meeting.
Ms. Fehmida Marza, Dr. Safdar Ali Abbasi, Kashif Nazamani, and Ibn Muhammad represented the Grand Democratic Alliance (GDA), while Sardar Abdul Rahim and Irfanullah Khan Marwat attended the meeting remotely via video link. NNI
