The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) in Islamabad, on Monday, dismissed a resolution endorsed by the Senate earlier this month proposing a deferment of the general election scheduled for February 8. The ECP asserted that all necessary arrangements had been finalized, and it would not be advisable to postpone the planned polls.
The resolution, which called for a delay in the elections due to cold weather and security concerns, was passed by the upper House of Parliament on January 5. Although the motion received significant support in the Senate, major political parties criticized it as "unconstitutional." The ECP, in its statement, declared that after a thorough review of the resolution, it concluded that postponing the polls at this stage was not feasible.
The election body highlighted that the date of February 8 had been set for the general elections after consultations with President Dr Arif Alvi. It also mentioned that instructions had been issued to the caretaker federal and provincial governments, emphasizing that all necessary preparations had been completed.
The ECP further noted that elections had been conducted during winters in previous years and assured the Supreme Court about adhering to the scheduled date. The commission acknowledged receiving directions to enhance the security matrix and provide a conducive environment for peaceful elections from the caretaker governments.
While the resolution's mover, Senator Dilawar Khan, expressed concern over the ECP's lack of tangible steps to delay the elections, the ECP maintained that postponing the polls would not be advisable at this stage.
Meanwhile, a counter resolution submitted in the Senate emphasized the importance of adhering to constitutional requirements and ensuring the timely conduct of the elections. Major political parties unanimously rejected the non-binding resolution, citing its potential unconstitutionality.
The ECP's affirmation of the scheduled election date comes as political activities gain momentum in the financially strained country, with the issuance of the final list of candidates over the weekend.
