ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) recommended to authorities in Punjab and KP the dates for the elections. The proposal came within days of caretaker governments set up in the two provinces.
The ECP recommended to fix an election between April 9 and April 13. It proposed to hold the elections between April 9 and 13 in Punjab, and in KP between April 15 and 17. The electoral watchdog said the election date must not exceed April 13.
It urged the government to finalize the date of the election in light of the suggestion mooted by the electoral watchdog.
The electoral body reminded the province to not exceed the proposed date in the binding of the law.
Earlier, the commission asked the caretakers to ensure compliance of all notifications, directives and provisions as laid down in Section 230 of the Act.
Constitutional Provision
Dawn news reports that in separate letters to principal secretaries to the governor of the two provinces today, the copies of which are available with the daily, the ECP cited Article 224 of the Constitution. It stipulates the holding of the general election of an assembly within 90 days of the legislature’s dissolution.
Article 224 states that when the NA or a PA is dissolved, a general election to the assembly shall be held within a period of 90 days”. “Likewise, under section 57(2) of the Elections Act, 2017 minimum of 54 days will be required to complete electtion-related activities.
Article 218(3) of the Constitution mandates ECP with the constitutional duty to organize and conduct elections under It termed arrangements necessary to ensure free and fair elections.
Earlier Developments
Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi took oath as an interim CM of Punjab on Jan 22. While Mohammad Azam Khan became the KP chief executive on Jan 21. The Punjab Assembly dissolved on Jan 14. The KP Assembly dissolution followed just four days later on January 18.
On December 17, PTI Chairman Imran Khan announced that his governments in Punjab and KP would dissolve their assemblies.
