It has been stressed quite often that elections should be held within the constitutionally mandated 90 days. While this is rather improbable, the ECP is under intense pressure to announce the date for the much anticipated general elections.
The ECP held consultations with prominent political parties to find a roadmap for the next elections. Although most political parties stressed on completing the new delimitation of constituencies, they were adamant that the election date should be announced. The ECP has reaffirmed holding the polls only after the delimitations process was completed and voter lists were updated.
The ECP had previously announced to complete the delimitation process by Dec 14 and then hold elections by mid-February. It was also expected that the election could be held either on Feb 11 or Feb 24 next year. The constitutionally mandated timeframe expires on Nov 9. Although it would still be a gross violation of the constitution, there was still hope that an election date was expected.
Amid immense pressure, the ECP has decided to reduce the timeframe for delimitations by 15 days and complete it by Nov 30. Now there are reports that the election date will be announced soon. It is also likely that elections could be announced Jan 28, 2024. If announced, this is a welcome sign that the road to the next election will be finally in sight.
Pakistan remains embroiled in a debilitating political and economic crisis. This can only be resolved if elections are held in a generally acceptable manner. The caretaker government says it has no role in announcing the election date but it should be reminded that its foremost priority is conducting the polls. The ECP has been given the sole prerogative to announce the election date but it still has a responsibility to conduct the polls under the law and Constitution.
It must be remembered that the ECP had refused to hold elections for the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab assemblies within the mandatory 90-day period. This was in direct defiance of the Constitution as well as the Supreme Court’s orders but no action was taken. Emboldened by the lack of accountability, it seems authorities are once again attempting to subvert the Constitution.
It is imperative that the ECP should announce an election date so that the clouds of uncertainty are over. With a date in sight, political parties will have an opportunity to make preparations for the election campaign. Although it would not be the solution to our woes, it would be a small step in the right direction.
