ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) declared, that Punjab will hold general elections on April 30. Decision came after ending months of political drama.
After the Supreme Court ordered to conduct Punjab and KP assembly elections within 90 days. President Alvi scheduled them for April 30 (Sunday).
The highest court authorized the ECP to propose a poll date that deviated from the 90-day timetable by the “barest minimum” in case of practical difficulties. Afterward, ECP announced April 30 as the Election date in Punjab.
“In pursuance of the dissolution of the Provincial Assembly of Punjab on 14th January 2023. Order dated 1st March 2023 passed by the Hon’ble Supreme Court of Pakistan in Suo Motu Case No. 1 of 2023, Constitution Petition No.1 and No.2 of 2023 and announcement of date by the President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan as 30th April 2023, the Election Commission of Pakistan in terms of Article 224(2) and 254 of the Constitution of the Isl
Election dilemma
Khan said in November that his party would leave the two provincial assemblies. In these two provinces where PTI was in control distanced itself from the “current corrupt political system.”
Despite coalition government resistance, Chief Ministers of Punjab and KP dissolved the assemblies. The law requires elections within 90 days of assembly dissolution.
After hearing the ECP’s recommendation, the two governors asked the commission to consult stakeholders instead of setting poll dates for Punjab and KP assemblies.
The two provinces’ chief secretaries and inspectors-general told the ECP they were low on police and cited terrorism concerns to delay elections.
The interior ministry informed the ECP that the army and civil armed forces would not be available and that the finance division could not supply funding.
President Alvi asked Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikandar Sultan Raja for an urgent meeting on election dates on February 17, but the ECP reminded him he had no role in announcing general election dates to provincial legislatures and that the commission was aware of its constitutional responsibilities.
The president unilaterally set April 9 for Punjab and KP assembly elections.
His political opponents criticised him for acting like a PTI worker. Whereas, the ECP claimed it will release the poll timetable only if the “competent authority” sets the date.
Since the governors refused to set a polling date, the Supreme Court ordered the president to announce the election date. SC ordered president to do it in collaboration with the commission. Moreover, KP Governor Haji Ghulam Ali to do the same.
