Senate grapples with third resolution seeking election postponement

ISLAMABAD: With election-related activity yet to gain momentum, a third resolution advocating a postponement of the February 8 polls was presented in the Senate on Sunday.

This latest resolution attributes the call for a delay to adverse weather conditions and the precarious security situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The issue initially surfaced on January 5 during a sparsely attended session of the upper house of parliament. During that session, an unanticipated resolution, albeit non-binding, sought to defer the general elections due to concerns regarding security and inclement weather. Independent Senator Dilawar Khan introduced the resolution, garnering support primarily from senators of the Balochistan Awami Party (BAP). Despite not being on the original discussion agenda, the resolution seemed to receive tacit approval from some other political factions. The absence of lawmakers from mainstream parties sparked inquiries.

Senate votes to delay February 8 polls, twice

Politicians and legal experts subsequently condemned the passage of the resolution, labeling it a “conspiracy against democracy” and emphasizing the necessity of holding elections as scheduled.

In response, Senator Mushtaq Ahmed Khan submitted a resolution in the Senate, underscoring the importance of adhering to “constitutional requirements” and ensuring the punctual execution of the polls. Senators affiliated with the PTI, PPP, and Jamaat-i-Islami also requisitioned a session last week to deliberate on the timely and fair conduct of elections.

However, on Friday, independent Senator Hidayatullah submitted a second resolution to the upper house, advocating for a delay in the polls. This resolution cited a surge in terrorism and violence across the country, specifically noting armed attacks in North Waziristan, Bajaur, and Turbat. These incidents resulted in severe injuries to a veteran nationalist politician running for national and provincial assembly seats, and the killing of another candidate. The resolution expressed concern about the resulting atmosphere of insecurity in the country.

The resolution called upon the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) and the Supreme Court to consider, sympathetically, the conduct of peaceful elections and proposed a three-month postponement of the polls due to the prevailing security challenges. During this period, the resolution urged the government to establish conditions ensuring a level-playing field for all political parties and candidates.

Today, a third resolution was submitted to the Senate Secretariat by independent Senator Hilalur Rehman from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. This resolution, attributing the need for a delay to cold weather and an upsurge in terrorist incidents in KP, asserted that the current conditions were not conducive for citizens to cast their votes and presented challenges for candidates engaged in campaigning.

The resolution stated, “Due to security concerns in the country, especially in KP, candidates are facing threats of terrorist attacks while campaigning.” It further noted that these challenges were adversely impacting the people of the province, particularly candidates from the merged districts (erstwhile FATA region).