PAKISTAN: As Pakistan grapples with a constitutional crisis, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) said on Thursday that General Elections in the country cannot be held before October 2022. The poll panel said it needs seven months to ensure a free, fair and transparent election.
In a letter to President Arif Alvi, the polling body said it requires four months to complete the delimitation in addition to organising general elections in 90 days, news agency ANI reported, citing Radio Pakistan. A day ago, the President asked the ECP to propose dates for holding the general elections, stating he had to appoint a date, not later than 90 days from the date of dissolution of the National Assembly, for holding the polls.
Earlier, the ECP had rejected reports claiming that holding the electoral exercise is not possible in 90 days, adding it is prepared to hold general elections within three months.
The political turmoil in the country turned into a constitutional crisis as the President dissolved the National Assembly after deputy speaker Qasim Suri rejected a no-trust motion against the Imran Khan-led government last Sunday.
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Supreme Court has ruled that Prime Minister Imran Khan’s move to dissolve Parliament was unconstitutional and ordered lawmakers to return, a decision that could spell the end of his premiership.
– INDIA TODAY, GULF NEWS