ECP Rejects Delay Of Feb 08 Elections Amid Senate Resolution

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has declined to accept the Senate resolution that called for the postponement of the general elections scheduled for February 8. In a letter addressed to the Senate Secretariat, the ECP stated that it had thoroughly reviewed the resolution during a session. The letter highlighted that the election date had been set for February 8 after consultation with the President, and the caretaker governments had received instructions to ensure law and order during the electoral process. The ECP emphasized that it had completed all preparations for conducting the general elections and assured the Supreme Court of adhering to the scheduled date.

According to the letter, both general elections and local council elections had historically taken place in winter, and the ECP had previously committed to the Supreme Court regarding the February 8 election date. The commission deemed it inappropriate to postpone the general elections at this stage, rejecting the Senate resolution seeking a delay.

Read more : Senate Receives Third Resolution Proposing Election Delay

Senator Dilawar Khan, in a letter to Chairman Senate Sadiq Sanjrani, expressed concern over the Election Commission’s inaction regarding the resolution passed on January 5, which sought the postponement of the elections. The letter urged the Chairman to ensure compliance with the resolution and the postponement of the February 8 elections.

Senator Hilalur Rehman submitted another resolution in the Senate on the same matter, citing severe cold weather, snowfall, and security challenges in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as hindrances to the general elections. The resolution called for the ECP to delay the polls to a more suitable date, acceptable to all relevant stakeholders.

This marks the third resolution moved in the Senate seeking a delay in the elections. A similar resolution was presented earlier by Senator Hidayatullah, a member of the Independent Parliamentary Group, expressing concerns about extreme weather conditions and the deteriorating security situation. The resolutions collectively underline the tensions surrounding the timing of the upcoming general elections.