ECP assures MQM and JI of early completion of delimitation

ISLAMABAD:  The Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) and the Jamaat-e-Islami held separate consultative meetings with the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to discuss the newly constituency delimitations and the general election.

After the meeting, the ECP issued an official statement that said that the MQM has endorsed the election commission’s decision on constituency delimitation, stating that it is a correct decision.

“The MQM said that the ongoing delimitation process is essential to ensure fair representation and accurate electoral demographics,” the statement said.

“Both the PTI-led government and PML-N government have acknowledged that future elections will be conducted based on a new population census. This development signifies their commitment to a fresh population census before the upcoming electoral polls,” the statement said.

Similarly, it said that “the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) government had maintained its stance in support of this course of action. The election commission’s commitment to digital population census and official dissemination has been commended by the PML-N”.

It said that the MQM has emphasized the need for transparent constituency delimitation according to the new population census. The party has also called for a cap on election expenses for political parties, asserting that financial limits should be imposed on campaign spending.

The statement said that the Jamaat-e-Islami has expressed its approval of the electoral schedule and constituency delimitation. The party has also raised concerns about the involvement of the provincial cabinet in politics in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

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“The JI has underlined its commitment to ensuring that the Pakistani public is not deprived of public representation through electoral processes. Moreover, the Jamaat-e-Islami has stressed the immediate need to ensure accuracy and authenticity in voter registration, polling, and verification procedures,” it said.

It said that the Jamaat-e-Islami has further suggested that all election-related communications should be available in the Urdu language to facilitate public understanding. The party has proposed a limit on campaign expenses for political parties involved in the elections.

A recommendation has also been put forth that a similar limit should be imposed on the election expenses of political parties.

The statement said that the election commission aims to expedite the process of constituency delimitation as quickly as possible.

“The revalidation of constituency boundaries and electoral lists will be executed simultaneously, ensuring that the upcoming general elections are conducted in adherence to the established norms. The Chief Election Commissioner has endorsed the recommendations made by political parties during the consultations,” the statement said.

To ensure thorough implementation, the suggestions for adhering to ethical standards, monitoring election procedures, and promoting transparent electoral practices will be reviewed and incorporated. The commitment to transparent and accountable general elections will remain a focal point throughout the electoral process, it said.