The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) criticized President Arif Alvi’s statement on Thursday casting doubt on the electoral body’s intentions to hold general elections in January.
President Arif Alvi Remarks on General Elections
In an interview with a private TV channel on Wednesday, the president stated that he does not anticipate general elections in January 2024.
“I do not believe that elections will be held in January,” President Alvi said.
During the interview, the president stated that when he proposed resolving the election date issue in a letter to the ECP, they responded that “it is not necessary.”
Elections Act 2017 Amendment
However, President Arif Alvi stated that even if he had not gone on Hajj, he would not have signed the Elections Act 2017 amendment since “it is against the Constitution.” “(Rule) 57/1 was changed in the act but I did not sign it.”
Moreover, the additions to the Election Act were signed by Senate Chairman Sadiq Sanjrani, who was acting president while President Alvi was away on Hajj.
The rule – Notification of Election Programme – states, “The President shall announce the date or dates of the general elections after consultation with the Commission.”
ECP Strongly Condemn President Remarks
However, the ECP issued a statement strongly condemning the president’s remarks implying that the 2024 elections might be postponed.
“The commission has already clarified its position regarding the matter,” the electoral body maintained.
However, it asserted that the delimitation process had already been completed, and that the process was in its second level of examination, which will be completed on Friday (today).
Final List of Seats
Additionally, The ECP stated that the final list of seats will be issued by November 30, 2023, and that the definitive schedule of elections for 2024 will be issued after that.
“There is nothing uncertain about this,” the electoral body maintained.
To read our blog on “General elections will be held in last week of Jan 2024, ECP,” click here.
