Election Commission of Pakistan Calls for Full Support in Fair and Transparent General Elections
The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has requested support from federal and provincial interim governments to ensure smooth and fair general elections, following guidelines and adhering to the constitution and law. Interim setups have been instructed to refrain from new appointments or transfers without ECP approval, and to terminate politically appointed heads of institutions for fairness and transparency. Former government officials must also vacate government facilities and vehicles. The ECP emphasized the importance of avoiding interference in the elections and ensuring a transparent delimitation process. Pakistan is making efforts to conduct a democratic and inclusive electoral process.
According to the latest news from Pakistan, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has requested the federal and provincial interim governments to provide full support in conducting the upcoming general elections in compliance with the law.
The ECP has issued a series of guidelines to ensure the smooth and fair organization of the polls after the dissolution of the national and provincial assemblies. The ECP has emphasized the importance of taking all necessary steps, as per the Constitution and prevalent law, to ensure the successful execution of the general elections.
In its instructions to the caretaker governments, the commission has highlighted the need for strict adherence to notifications, directives, and provisions of Section 230 of the election law, which governs the functions of a caretaker government.
Furthermore, interim setups have been directed not to make any new appointments or transfers of public officials without the prior approval of the ECP. The ECP has also prohibited the announcement or implementation of new development schemes, except for ongoing projects that were approved prior to the issuance of the notification.
However, in exceptional cases, any vital scheme may be referred to the ECP for consideration. To ensure fairness and transparency, the interim governments have been instructed to immediately terminate the services of all politically appointed heads of institutions. Such cases must be submitted to the ECP for approval or review.
Additionally, former prime ministers, chief ministers, federal and provincial ministers, and former members of assemblies have been required to vacate government-provided residential facilities and surrender official vehicles. Security and protocol privileges have also been withdrawn.
The ECP has firmly stated that caretaker governments must refrain from influencing the elections in any manner. Any attempts to undermine the free and fair conduct of the elections will be strictly addressed. The elections are scheduled to be held within 90 days, but delays may occur due to the mandatory delimitation process following the new census.
In related news, Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial has urged the ECP to ensure a transparent process of delimitation, emphasizing its importance as a matter of public interest. This request was made during the hearing of a petition related to errors and illegalities in the delimitation process in the Shikarpur district of Sindh.
With the guidance of the ECP and the support of the interim governments, Pakistan is taking significant steps to facilitate fair and transparent general elections. The adherence to law and guidelines, as well as the commitment to a transparent delimitation process, will be crucial in ensuring a democratic and inclusive electoral process for the nation.