ECP fast-tracks delimitation plan for January polls

ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has expedited the process of constituency delimitation for national and provincial assemblies, aiming to complete the exercise by November 30.

According to Dawn.com, the development is seen as a significant step towards holding general elections as early as the last week of January 2024, with January 28 being the most likely date. In case of practical challenges, the election date could potentially shift to February 4, as reported by Dawn.

The reports said that the decision to shorten the delimitation duration, originally set to conclude on December 14, was made during a meeting chaired by Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikandar Sultan Raja.

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As per the report, the development follows the Supreme Court’s rejection of the ECP’s review petition regarding the conduct of elections in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, which were dissolved. The court emphasised that in case of difficulties, the ECP should seek relief from the Supreme Court rather than unilaterally postponing the polls.

Meanwhile, legal experts believe that the Supreme Court’s decision will have implications for the upcoming general elections, constitutionally due by November 8. The ECP’s decision to expedite delimitation aligns with feedback from political parties and aims to facilitate early general elections.

The decision coincided with the commencement of a two-day training for 26 members of delimitation committees at the Pakistan Electoral Academy for Democratic Practices, Research, and Management, ECP Secretariat.

However, in a consultative meeting with the Grand Democratic Alliance (GDA), the party expressed support for the ECP’s new delimitation plan and highlighted the importance of transparent elections based on the updated census data.

Furthermore, the GDA also suggested revisions to electoral lists and stressed adherence to ECP directives for provincial officer transfers and appointments. Additionally, the delegation recommended impartial returning officers and the implementation of the election action plan.

Although the action plan initially indicated that the upcoming general elections would be based on the old delimitation, the GDA urged the suspension of local governments and the appointment of administrators to ensure transparency in the elections.

Meanwhile, the CEC recognised the GDA’s recommendations and ensured the ECP’s responsibility for conducting transparent elections in accordance with the Constitution and the law.