ECP postpones by-polls in 13 constituencies scheduled for 11th Sept, 25th Sept and 2nd
Bilawal says my Multan & Karachi candidates are frustrated by sudden postponement of bye elections
ISLAMABAD ( Web News )
The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Thursday postponed by-elections in 13 constituencies of the National Assembly due to the situation arising after flood in the country. The Election Commission of Pakistan has said that the decision has been taken in the public interest so that the holding of the bye-elections peacefully could be ensured.
An important meeting of ECP was held under the chairmanship of Chief Election Commissioner Dr. Sikandar Sultan Raja, the members of Election Commission, Secretary Election Commission and senior officers of Election Commission participated in the meeting.
In the meeting, the Secretary Election Commission briefed the Election Commission that in the following constituencies of Punjab, Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the Election Commission had given a schedule for the by-elections according to which polling will be held on September 11, 25 and October 2, 2022.
Among the constituencies in which the election has been postponed are NA-157, PP-139 Sheikhupura, PP-241 Bahawalnagar, NA-22 Mardan, NA-24 Charsadda, NA-31 Peshawar, NA-45 Karam, NA-108 Faisalabad, NA-118 Nankana, NA-237 Malir, NA-239 Korangi Karachi, NA-246 Karachi and PP-209 Khanewal.
Secretary Election Commission said that due to the recent disasters and floods in Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and South Punjab, the means of transportation have been disrupted, buildings have been destroyed and transport system has been disrupted, while the national emergency has been declared.
It said the decision to postpone the by-elections has been taken after getting proper feedback from the Interior Ministry according to which Pakistan Army, Rangers, and the Frontier Corps are busy in relief work for the flood affected people, maintaining internal security, and thwarting out terrorist activities in the country.
It further said ensuring peaceful elections is the prime responsibility and priority of the Election Commission for which services of the Pakistan Army, Rangers and other security agencies were not available at the moment. Hence, decision to postpone the by-election was taken in the best interest of the public so that peaceful polling process can be ensured.
The ECP in the statement said that only polling date has been postponed but all other processes will be completed according to the schedule. The ECP said that after the improvement in the situation and availability of the law enforcement institutions, the new polling dates will be announced.
Meanwhile Pakistan People’s Party Chairman and Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari in a statement issued on twitter after the ECP decision has questioned how long will Imran Khan remain ladla? my Multan and Karachi candidates are frustrated by sudden postponement of bye elections, adding that they are eager to start serving their constituents who have been left without representation for too long. Bilawal Bhutto said that no need to allow PTI to run away from elections at 11th hour.
Meanwhile PPP candidate for NA-157 Multan Syed Ali Musa Gillani in a statement issued on twitter on Thursday said that we will challenge if any notification is issued in this regard, delaying the election last minute. Syed Ali Musa Gillani said that we are all set for the election on Sunday. This decision of ECP will not be acceptable. It is against the constitution. The people of the constituency must not be deprived from their representation. Polling staff has been nominated stations finalized, he said.