ECP sets Sept 26 deadline for delimitation process

ISLAMABAD: Amidst mounting public and political pressure over its perceived delays in facilitating the upcoming general elections, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has directed its delimitation committees to conclude their work by September 26.

This directive aims to enable the publication of the preliminary delimitation report on September 27.

The previously slated release date for the preliminary delimitation report, October 9, has been expedited to September 26. The entire delimitation process is scheduled to wrap up by November 30.

During a meeting held on the first of this month, the ECP adjusted the delimitation completion date, moving it forward by two weeks, from December 14 to November 30. Nevertheless, concerns remain about whether the commission can adhere to the constitutionally mandated 90-day period for holding general elections.

ECP fast-tracks delimitation plan for January polls

Various political parties have called for a reduction in the duration of the delimitation process and immediate issuance of the general elections’ schedule. However, the ECP has determined that the election schedule will be finalized only upon completion of the delimitation process.

Notably, several prominent political parties, including the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), Jamaat-e-Islami (JI), Balochistan National Party (BNP), and Awami National Party (ANP), have unequivocally supported the demand for timely elections.