Senate passes resolution urging ECP to hold timely elections

ISLAMABAD: The Senate, upper house of the Parliament, on Wednesday passed a resolution, urging the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to take measures for holding general elections across the country within the stipulated time under Article 224 of the Constitution.

Presented by JI Senator Mushtaq Ahmad, the resolution also asked all the state institutions to assist, in every possible manner, the ECP in holding timely polls.

The resolution comes as the government is anticipated to dissolve the National Assembly (NA) Wednesday (today), three days ahead of its mandated period. When the National Assembly is dissolved premature, the next general election is mandated to be held within 90 days of the dissolution of the assembly.

The resolution passed in the Senate highlighted that the top court had ruled that holding elections under Article 224 of the Constitution – after the National Assembly completed its term or was dissolved – was a constitutional responsibility which could not be disobeyed.

“Therefore, this House demands the ECP to ensure holding polls within the stipulated period of time given under Article 224 of the Constitution and take all necessary measures in this regard,” read the resolution. “The House also demands state institutions to provide all the possible assistance to the ECP for conducting elections on time, fulfilling its constitutional responsibility,” the resolution added. – by our reporter and news agencies