A petition has been submitted to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) requesting the postponement of the scheduled general elections in 2024.
Meena Bibi, the General Councilor of UC-57 Kech district in Balochistan, filed the petition, citing a surge in terrorism incidents, particularly in the Makran division.In her plea, Bibi expressed concerns about a potential low voter turnout on the election day due to the recent security situation in Balochistan.
The petition, submitted on February 8, urged the ECP to consider the security challenges and reassess the election timeline. Balochistan has witnessed an increase in terrorist activities, prompting the petitioner to call for a delay in the elections to ensure a safe and conducive environment for voters.
Meanwhile, on a separate front, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) received a plea on Friday challenging the ‘extended stay’ of Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar. The petitioner, Muhammad Muqsit Saleem, has requested the ECP to declare the caretaker prime minister’s tenure as ‘unconstitutional.’
The plea seeks to restrain Anwaarul Haq Kakar from performing his duties until the matter is thoroughly examined and decided by the commission. Saleem named the interim premier, the secretary of the Cabinet Division, and the chief election commissioner as respondents in the case.
In related developments, sources reveal that the ECP has completed its preparations for the general elections in 2024. The commission has finalized the draft schedule, detailing key milestones in the electoral process.
According to the draft schedule, the collection of nomination papers from candidates is set to begin in the second week of December 2023. The scrutiny of nomination papers will follow, with completion expected by the third week of December 2023.
As the ECP navigates these issues, the decision on whether to postpone the elections will likely hinge on a careful consideration of the security landscape in Balochistan and the broader implications for a fair and secure electoral process.”
