Schedule Announcement
ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) is poised to disclose the schedule for the impending general election 56 days before the scheduled polling date on Feb 8, with the announcement anticipated around Dec 14.
A senior official from the ECP affirmed the successful completion of essential preparations, including the resolution of delimitation concerns. This progress positions the ECP to confidently unveil the election schedule, assuring the public of an electoral process characterized by freedom and fairness.
Anticipation surrounds the impending appointment of District Returning Officers (DROs) and Returning Officers (ROs), with district administration officers expected to assume these critical roles. Simultaneously, the Chief Election Commissioner, Sikandar Sultan Raja, has extended an invitation to the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) for discussions on Monday (Dec 4) to address any pre-election apprehensions the party may have.
Against the backdrop of political developments, the ECP took a firm stance, rebuffing remarks made by PTI leader Babar Awan alleging a reduction in National Assembly seats from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The ECP clarified that the 25th Constitutional Amendment in 2018 led to the abolition of 12 seats in FATA while increasing KP’s National Assembly seats from 39 to 45.
Furthermore, in a parallel concern, three members of the caretaker federal government, including advisers to the Prime Minister, are yet to fulfill the legal requirement of submitting their statements of assets and liabilities.
The ECP addressed this by sending a letter to the Secretary Cabinet, underscoring the urgency of compliance for necessary actions under section 230 (3) of the Elections Act. This comprehensive update reflects the evolving landscape leading up to the imminent general election in Pakistan.
