ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari clarified that his party does not share the same stance as his father, former President Asif Ali Zardari, who supported the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) in holding elections after the completion of constituency delimitation.
Earlier today, PPP Co-chairman Zardari expressed full confidence in the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), emphasizing the necessity of fresh delimitation under the 2023 census.
However, following a central executive committee (CEC) meeting on August 25, the PPP insisted on holding polls in adherence to the constitutional obligation of conducting them within 90 days.
During a press conference in Badin, reporters asked PPP Chairman Bilawal about the differences between his and Zardari’s positions on elections. Bilawal redirected the query to Zardari and highlighted the PPP’s CEC meeting, where legal experts confirmed that elections must occur within 90 days of assembly dissolution, as mandated by the Constitution.
Bilawal emphasized his commitment to follow President Zardari in family matters but clarified that, in political matters, the Constitution and party policy guide his actions.
Subsequently, Zardari defended the ECP, asserting that a fresh delimitation exercise is now obligatory following the new census notification. The PPP conveyed Zardari’s statement through its social media channels, underlining the ECP’s mandate to conduct elections in line with the Constitution.
Zardari’s statement echoed calls from various PPP leaders, including party chairman Bilawal, urging the ECP to announce the date for general polls and adhere to the constitutional requirement of holding elections within 90 days. The party reiterated these demands during its delegation’s consultative meeting with ECP members.
Uncertainty around polls
The initiation of the consultative process stemmed from uncertainty regarding the timing of the elections.
On August 9, the National Assembly, along with the Sindh and Balochistan assemblies, dissolved to enable elections within 90 days (rather than 60) if the assemblies completed their terms.
The Council of Common Interest (CCI) approved the 7th Population and Housing Census 2023 before the assembly dissolution, obliging fresh delimitations.
The Election Commission (ECP) has scheduled the completion and notification of new constituency delimitation for December.
This extended process makes it impossible to hold general elections within the constitutionally mandated 90 days after assembly dissolution.
