US Ambassador Blome
ISLAMABAD: US Ambassador Donald Blome met today with Chief Election Commissioner Sikander Sultan Raja.
Blome reaffirmed the United States’ support for free and fair elections to be conducted in accordance with Pakistan’s laws.
The US Ambassador Blome reiterated that choosing Pakistan’s future leaders is for the Pakistani people to decide. The US Ambassador Blome stated this in a press statement issued to media on Thursday after his meeting with the CEC.
Blome said that the United States remains committed to to broaden the U.S.-Pakistan relationship.
Caretaker government and upcoming elections
Meanwhile, Interim Information Minister Murtaza Solangi stated today that the caretaker government has no intention of postponing the elections.
“Neither I don’t have an opinion on his nor the government. It is not our responsibility. This is the job of the election commission. We have a responsibility to assist them.” He made this statement in response to a question regarding the timing of the general elections during a press briefing in Islamabad, where he discussed the cabinet’s decisions.
The backdrop for the query was the ECP’s decision to proceed with fresh delimitation, as participants in an ECP meeting reached a consensus that holding elections within the constitutionally mandated 90-day period was not viable.
Many experts have raised concerns that the general elections may not take place within the 90-day window following the dissolution of the assembly, citing the reason mentioned above.
“Holding elections is the responsibility of ECP under the law. I will request you to visit the ECP visit. They have presented a rationale and schedule for holding elections that till when they will have delimitations.
It is their duty. You know this matter to some extent is subjudice because a party or a few legal experts have approached the apex court. This is not the duty of caretaker government. ECP will hold elections. We don’t have any wish related to this.”
Solangi proceeded to mention that the ECP had its own reasoning regarding delimitation and emphasized the government’s willingness to support the body’s endeavors. However, he emphasized that the country would fulfill its responsibilities as long as it remains in power.
When questioned about potential constitutional violations, Solangi stated that the country possesses a Constitution and institutions responsible for enforcing these regulations. “We will adhere to the directives of the ECP.”
