ISLAMABAD: Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) decided to hold Local Government polls in Karachi and Hyderabad as per schedule on January 15, rejecting Sindh government’s request to postpone elections.

Decision was taken in high-level meeting chaired by Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja here. ECP took stock of situation after provincial government’s announcement. PPP government in Sindh in surprise late-night move had postponed Local Body elections due to reservations of its coalition partner Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan over existing delimitations. It was fourth time that polls were delayed by Sindh government.  After ECP’s order, Sindh Information Minister Sharjeel Memon said police and Rangers will be deployed at polling stations, while polls will be held in line with instructions.

JI leader Hafiz Naeem also said that there is no legal provision for Sindh government to put off elections based “On a letter.” He also urged Chief Election Commissioner Sikander Sultan Raja to take “Suo motu” notice. “How is it possible that two days before polls, elections are postponed via notification,” asked Rehman. He was also of view that ECP should not delay polls. PTI leader Ali Zaidi in a separate media talk “Circus” was held at Chief Minister House between Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan and PPP.

On other hand, former ECP Secretary Kanwar Dilshad stated that Chief Election Commissioner Sikander Sultan Raja could reject Sindh government’s decision of delaying Local Government polls.

“There is no question of government taking back delimitation. CEC under rules 218-219 and 237 can reject Sindh government’s notification,” Dilshad said during private TV channel talks.

Published in The Daily National Courier, January, 14 2023

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