KARACHI: Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari demanded that elections be held “as soon as possible” and within the constitutional limit of 90 days. The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has ruled out elections for this year while the 90-day period for holding polls after the dissolution of the National Assembly ends on November 9.
The ECP cited multiple reasons for delaying elections, including the need to officially publish the results of the new digital 2023 census and Section 17(2) of the Elections Act, which states that constituency delimitation should occur after each census.
Bilawal Bhutto emphasized that the country currently faces three major issues: inflation, unemployment, and poverty. He stated that the PPP’s focus is on addressing these issues, instead of battling with political opponents. He highlighted the PPP’s history of people-centric politics and governance.
Bilawal stated that the PPP is ready for earlier elections and prepared to hold them within the constitutional 90-day period, in response to a question about Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s recent statement regarding the PPP’s role in delaying elections. He noted differences in interpretations of the Constitution between the PPP, the PDM, and the ECP, highlighting the PPP’s belief that elections should occur within 90 days.
Bilawal also expressed concern about the ECP’s decision to transfer various officials in Sindh and called for the announcement of election dates and schedules. He criticized the ECP’s handling of ongoing development and welfare schemes in Sindh, urging the electoral watchdog to review its approach.
In response to another question, Bilawal offered support to politicians facing legal challenges. Bilawal emphasized the importance of respecting the people’s choice in elections, regardless of the political party selected by voters. He also cautioned against manipulating the political landscape through puppet leaders and underscored the need for free and fair elections.
