ISLAMABAD: Against the backdrop of potential elections delay, the Upper House of Pakistan’s Parliament passed a resolution on Wednesday, demanding the country’s electoral watchdog to ensure timely polls.
The resolution, presented by Senator Mushtaq Ahmad of Jamat-e-Islami (JI), called upon the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to conduct general elections within the stipulated timeframe as defined by Article 224 of the Constitution.
Furthermore, the resolution implored all state institutions to provide comprehensive support to the election commission in its efforts to ensure timely polls.
Why Senate demands timely elections?
Citing the Supreme Court’s ruling, the resolution said that conducting elections under Article 224 of the Constitution is a responsibility not to be disregarded.
The resolution urged the ECP to uphold the obligation of holding elections within the constitutionally specified period, taking all necessary measures to fulfill this responsibility.
The timing of this resolution coincides with the imminent dissolution of the National Assembly (NA) today, three days prior to its designated term completion. The current tenure of the National Assembly is slated to conclude on August 12, with elections mandated within 60 days if the assembly completes its full term. However, the premature dissolution of the assembly would increase the duration of holding elections to 90 days.
The potential dissolution of the assembly on August 10 (tomorrow) would trigger the responsibility of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to ensure elections within the stipulated 90-day period.
