ISLAMABAD: On Monday, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) pledged to conduct the forthcoming general elections in a “peaceful and impartial” manner, adhering to the Constitution and the law, as reported by ARY News.
Sikandar Sultan Raja, the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), affirmed this commitment while leading two distinct sessions in Islamabad today.
In accordance with a statement released by the electoral regulatory body, these meetings were convened to assess the progress in relation to the forthcoming general election in Pakistan.
The meetings were attended by members of the Election Commission, the Secretary of ECP, Chief Secretary of Sindh, IG Sindh, Chief Secretary of Balochistan, IG Balochistan, Provincial Election Commissioners for Sindh and Balochistan, as well as other senior ECP officials.
In the course of the meetings, the Chief Secretary and IG of Sindh provided the Election Commission with an overview of the preparations underway for the upcoming general elections, assuring their complete cooperation.
The Election Commission underscored to the Chief Secretary and IG of Sindh that ensuring transparent and impartial elections is a fundamental responsibility of the ECP. To achieve this, the initial step involves the transfer and posting of all officers and officials who hold significance in the context of impartial elections.
The Election Commission has issued directives in this regard, recognizing that transfer and posting represent the primary stages toward achieving transparency. Subsequently, appointments will be made for District Returning Officers, Returning Officers, Assistant Returning Officers, and Monitoring Teams.
The Election Commission reaffirmed its full support and cooperation to the Chief Secretary and IG of Sindh.
In the subsequent meeting, the Chief Secretary, IG of Balochistan, and Provincial Election Commissioner of Balochistan updated the Election Commission on the ongoing preparations for the forthcoming elections.
The Chief Secretary conveyed that recommendations for postings and transfers of various officers, including Deputy Commissioners and Additional Deputy Commissioners, have been submitted to the Election Commission.
Moreover, the Chief Secretary of Balochistan informed that the maintenance of flood-affected polling station buildings has been ensured.
The IG of Balochistan briefed the Election Commission on the security situation in the province. The Election Commission instructed the Chief Secretary and IG of Balochistan to carry out their duties impartially and assured them of providing all possible assistance.
Earlier reports indicated that the ECP has chosen to hold the general elections in the second week of February 2024. Insider sources informed ARY News that the election commission is expected to issue the general election schedule after December 2023. Sources from within the ECP stated, “The election schedule will be announced 54 days after the completion of the delimitation process.”
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