ECP expedites delimitation process to ensure early elections
ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Friday announced to finalise delimitation by November 30 which was earlier scheduled to be completed on December 14 to ensure early elections.
The ECP, in a statement, said that the decision was taken after consultations with the political parties.
In a press release issued on Friday, the electoral body said: “The purpose of reducing the time frame of delimitation is to hold elections as soon as possible.”
“The polls schedule will be announced keeping this date in mind,” it stated, adding that the decision was taken after feedback from political parties.
The ECP has been holding consultations with various political parties on the electoral roadmap in recent days. The meetings come against the backdrop of the electoral watchdog ruling out elections this year, while the 90-day limit for holding polls – mandated under Article 224 of the Constitution, ends on November 9.
The 1973 Constitution requires the holding of elections within 90 days after the dissolution of assemblies. However, on the basis of the notification of results of the new digital 2023 census, the ECP will have to carry out fresh delimitations. Section 17(2) of the Elections Act states: “The commission shall delimit constituencies after every census is officially published.” – News Agencies / Web Desk
