Karachi: Sindh government defended move to amended law which made it mandatory to hold fresh elections within 120 days after one Local Government (LG) completes its tenure. Sindh Information Minister Sharjeel Memon reiterated that there is no delay in holding polls from government and that they are ready to hold polls.

Sindh government amended clause in Sindh Local Government Act 2013 within it, Article 34 relates to conduct of elections by Election Commission of Pakistan. It prescribes that date or dates of fresh elections would be provided between 60 days to 120 days from end of term of LG. He said that anything that government had done was keeping within parameters of overall law.

He added that ruling Pakistan Peoples’ Party was not afraid of going to polls. He pointed to how first phase of LG elections have already been completed and party won it through heavy majority. In Karachi and Hyderabad divisions where second phase of elections are due to be held, Memon said that PPP has already won many seats unopposed. In Hyderabad Division, he said that many areas were still inundated with flood waters while flood refugees were still camped in public schools so polling cannot take place there.

Hence unless situation improves, they cannot hold elections there. In Karachi too, he said that government was willing to hold elections and it should be held in two phases so that polls can be held in safe and secure environment.

Published in The Daily National Courier, November, 10 2022

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