The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has rejected a demand made in a Senate resolution seeking a delay in the February 8 polls, stating that all arrangements have been completed and it will not be “advisable” to put off the polls.
The ECP statement comes in response to Senate’s January 5 resolution moved by Senator Dilawar Khan and passed by the house amid thin attendance.
The resolution had cited harsh weather conditions in hilly areas and the deteriorating security situation as reasons for delaying the polls.
In the statement today, the ECP said it deliberated on the resolution in the meeting and observed that caretaker governments had been issued directions for “beefing up security matrix and provide congenial environment to the electorate” for peaceful elections.
Moreover, the electoral body said it submitted commitment before the Supreme Court that for holding elections on Feb 8, 2024.
Similarly, the ECP said it would not be out of place to mention that in the past general elections and local government polls have been held in winter season.
Earlier today, Senator Dilawar Khan in a letter addressed to Chairman Senate Sadiq Sanjrani pointed out inaction of the election commission over the house’s resolution passed on January 05, seeking postponement of the election.
“As the custodian of the house, you must ensure to seek compliance of the resolution and postponement of Feb 08 elections,” the letter further read.
It is to be mentioned here that another resolution seeking delay in the February 08 polls were moved in the Senate on last Sunday, citing the weather and security situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Senator Hilalur Rehman of the Independent Parliamentary Group submitted the resolution citing severe cold weather, snowfall, and security challenges as the hindrances for the general elections.
It added that the date of Feb 8 to hold the elections is not suitable. The resolution urged the ECP to delay polls to a date which was acceptable for all the relevant stakeholders.
It merits mention here that it was the third resolution moved in the upper house demanding delay in elections.
A similar resolution was tabled in the Senate a couple of days ago.
The resolution was moved by Senator Hidayatullah, a member of Pakistan’s upper house from the Independent Parliamentary Group.
It is to be noted that earlier this month, the Upper House of Parliament adopted a resolution, which was moved by independent Senator Dilawar Khan during a session with only 15 lawmakers in attendance. It sought polls delay in the light of extreme weather in hilly areas and the deteriorating security situation.
