ISLAMABAD: Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Umar Ata Bandial remarked that the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) must carry out delimitations process transparently.
CJP Bandial made these remarks while leading a two-member bench. The bench was considering petitions challenging the delimitations of provincial constituencies PS 7, 8, and 9 in Shikarpur.
These petitions had been brought before the apex court in 2018.
During the hearing, CJP Bandial commented that the issue of constituency delimitations holds significant public interest. He also noted that this matter has been raised multiple times in the highest court.
“Election commission should conduct delimitations in a transparent manner,” the chief justice said emphasizing that even a slight modification of the circle by the tapedar could impact the number of votes a candidate garners.
Additionally, CJP Bandial asked about the schedule for the upcoming general elections. In response, Muhammad Arshad, the Director General (Law), responded with a shrug of his shoulders.
“As yet, no date for the elections has been decided. The election commission should resolve all issues before the polls,” the CJP said.
He further added, “This matter is more sensitive in Sindh. Grievances often come forth that delimitations in the province were not correct.”
After listening to the arguments, the Supreme Court sent the matter back to the electoral body.
