ISLAMABAD: The announcement of a timeframe for the general elections by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has brought an end to the uncertainty surrounding the polls. Major political parties in the former ruling alliance have welcomed this development, expressing hope that it will alleviate concerns about the country’s political situation.
The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has announced that elections will take place in January next year after the completion of the delimitation process. Initially, polls were expected to occur within 90 days, but the ECP required additional time to redraw constituencies based on the latest population census. The Election Commission will publish the final list of constituencies on November 30, and it will schedule the elections for the last week of January 2024 following a 54-day election program.
Various political parties have reacted to this development. The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), and Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) view the decision positively. However, the Awami National Party (ANP) has called for a specific election date, while the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) plans to challenge the ECP’s decision in court.
Election Date Sparks Political Reactions
PTI member Niazullah Niazi argued that the Constitution mandates elections within 90 days, and exceeding this period is unlawful. He stated that the PTI would challenge the ECP’s decision and suggested that President Arif Alvi has the authority to announce the election date.
PML-N leader Ahsan Iqbal welcomed the ECP’s decision, highlighting that it ends uncertainty about delimitation. He explained that the ECP initially aimed to complete delimitation by December 15, leading to February elections.
However, the PML-N proposed reducing the delimitation period, resulting in a November 30 deadline and January elections. Iqbal emphasized the importance of peaceful elections and forming a stable government to address economic challenges.
PPP leader Qamar Zaman Kaira viewed the development as positive and expressed hope for the best, refraining from sharing his party’s official stance.
The ANP urged the ECP to announce a specific election date, emphasizing the demand for elections within 90 days.
MQM-P leader Mustafa Kamal praised the government and ECP for conducting elections after fresh delimitation. However, he expressed concerns about constituency demarcation and the provincial chief election commissioner’s role in Sindh.
