Election Schedule
In a significant decision, the Supreme Court (SC) on Monday ruled that objections to the delimitation of constituencies cannot be raised after the release of the election schedule, further streamlining the path to the scheduled February 8 polls.
The three-member apex court bench, led by Justice Sardar Tariq Masood and including Justices Mansoor Ali Shah and Athar Minallah, issued the order in response to a plea filed by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP). The ECP’s petition contested changes made by the Balochistan High Court to two constituencies in Zhob and Shirani. The SC, however, set aside the BHC’s decision, accepting the appeal from the electoral body.
During the hearing, Justice Minallah questioned the court’s authority to intervene in matters rightfully under the jurisdiction of the election commission. Justice Shah underscored that challenges to constituencies become ineffective after the election schedule is released, emphasizing that the electoral process cannot be disrupted for individual relief.
Justice Masood expressed his confusion about the persistent calls for election delays, asserting the need for polls to proceed. Justice Minallah cautioned against a flood of petitions if the SC intervened, noting that everything halts once the election schedule is issued. The court ultimately declared the BHC’s decision null and void.
This development follows the ECP’s release of the election schedule, secured with the SC’s intervention, ensuring the timely conduct of polls. Earlier, the SC suspended a Lahore High Court verdict that had raised concerns about the appointment of returning officers, directing the ECP to immediately release the election schedule.
Balochistan Election Commissioner Ejaz Anwar Chohan assured that all resources would be utilized to ensure peaceful, free, fair, and transparent elections. He emphasized the challenge of conducting peaceful elections in Balochistan and pledged the effective fulfillment of the ECP’s responsibilities.
Chohan outlined security measures, including police deployment and potential army intervention in adverse situations, affirming equal treatment for all participating political parties and candidates. He expressed hope in law enforcement agencies playing a pivotal role in improving Balochistan’s security situation.
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