ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Wednesday announced the postponement of the upcoming polls in Punjab, earlier scheduled to be held on April 30, citing security issues as the main cause behind their change in plan.
According to an order issued by the ECP, the elections in Punjab will now be held on October 8. The ECP order stated that it was not possible to hold transparent elections in Punjab on March 30. It added that the ECP has decided to hold elections in Punjab on October 8.
The notification stated,“ the commission hereby withdraws the election program issued vide notification dated March 8, 2023 and fresh schedule will be issued in due course of time with the poll date on 8th October 2023”.
The spokesperson of the Election Commission told the media that all the institutions have recommended to postpone the elections in the province. It added that it is not possible to conduct free and transparent elections in the current situation in the province.
Earlier, President Arif Alvi announced April 30 as the date for elections in the province. The announcement from the President of Pakistan comes minutes following the ECP proposed dates for the poll in Punjab in light of the SC’s decision.
