The PPP-led Sindh government has quite clearly mastered the art of indefinitely delaying local government elections, but the Sindh High Court on Friday ordered the Election Commission of Pakistan to release the schedule within the next 15 days and announce the election date by December 3. The ECP has been directed to complete all the necessary measures within 60 days.
The provincial administration recently decided that the second phase of the polls would be put off — yet again — for 90 days in Karachi. This controversial decision has rightly drawn the ire of the chief election commissioner.
The Sindh High Court further said that the election date should be within these two months. The Sindh government is bound to provide security and other facilities for the LG polls. The Inspector general (IG) Sindh and chief secretary Sindh should make sure that all the necessary measures are taken in this regard.
The Sindh government had been frankly hiding behind excuses when it says it does not have the police personnel and administrative staff (who are presumably busy in flood relief work) to hold the polls in Karachi. After 90 days are up, the provincial administration may well come up with a fresh pretext to delay the polls.
The ugly fact is that many of the parties that claim to be the champions of democracy display a patently undemocratic attitude when it comes to an elected third tier. The PPP’s lack of interest derives from the fact that its visible misgovernance in Sindh, particularly Karachi, could well result in a drubbing at the ballot box, while a faction-ridden, rudderless MQM is in no position to mount a strong campaign.
The LG government ensures the devolution of powers to the grassroots level and at the same time helps the provincial or central government in managing and ensuring good governance.
Now after the verdict of the Sindh High Court, only time will tell that is Sindh government willing to hold the LG polls or come up with another excuse of delaying.
