The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has clarified its stance following the Lahore High Court’s decision to strike down the appointment of returning officers (ROs). Despite the court ruling, the ECP has asserted its readiness to conduct elections on February 8.
In a statement released on Thursday evening, the ECP’s spokesperson refuted a statement from the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party suggesting a potential delay in elections, deeming it an effort to mislead the public. The ECP highlighted that training for ROs had already commenced, a crucial step before issuing the election schedule, as these officers play a pivotal role in accepting and scrutinizing nomination papers.
However, the recent legal development, with the Lahore High Court ruling against the appointment of ROs in response to a PTI petition, has prompted the ECP to review the situation. The statement conveyed that the ECP would disclose its strategy concerning the matter soon but emphasized that the ECP cannot be held responsible for the current circumstances.
Barrister Gohar, Chairman of PTI, responded to the ECP’s notification suspending the appointment of ROs by accusing the ECP of attempting to delay the elections. During a press conference in Islamabad, Gohar asserted that the PTI had consistently worked to ensure timely elections, citing a written agreement with the president that elections would take place on February 8 despite multiple alleged attempts by the ECP to delay them.
