ISLAMABAD: Following the dissolution of the National Assembly, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has a 90-day window to organize the general elections. Prior to that, it has to carry out the delimitation of constituencies in accordance with the digital census data. However, the ECP has not yet received the census results.
Sources within the ECP have confirmed that they are still awaiting the data for 186,509 census blocs, which is essential to fulfilling the constitutional requirement of delimitation. However, they have received district-wise data from the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS).
The PBS is expected to compile and provide the blocs’ data to the ECP in the upcoming week. Once received, the ECP would need a minimum of four months to effectively carry out the delimitation process for constituencies, as well as to address any complaints that may arise.
The Council of Common Interests (CCI) granted approval to the digital census results on August 5. Subsequently, the ECP convened its initial formal meeting on this matter, progressing to the next phase which involves delimitation.
The ECP has already engaged with its legal team for consultation and insights. However, it requires comprehensive data from the bureau. This data is essential for determining a timeline that aligns with their legal obligations prior to conducting elections.
Meanwhile, the National Assembly was dissolved on August 10, triggering the countdown for the constitutional obligation of delimitation. This process encompasses a period of 90 days, with an additional 30 days allocated for addressing related complaints and objections.
A senior official noted the significance of time in this context. If the complete census results are provided to the Election Commission by August 14 or 15, the commission would have approximately 85 or 86 days left to carry out the delimitation process.
