Election Commission Responds to Parties’ Requests: General Election Schedule Revised for Enhanced Participation
In a move reflecting the Election Commission of Pakistan‘s commitment to facilitating a fair and inclusive electoral process, the commission has revised the schedule for the upcoming general election slated for February 08, 2024.
The significant adjustment involves extending the deadline for the submission of nomination papers by two days, now allowing candidates to file their papers until December 24. This decision follows requests from political parties, including the Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N), the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) Pakistan, and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam, highlighting the commission’s responsiveness to stakeholders.
Post the extended nomination paper submission period, the preliminary list of candidates is set to be published on December 24, marking a crucial step in the election preparation process. Subsequently, the returning officers will diligently scrutinize the candidates from December 25 to December 30, ensuring the integrity and eligibility of those vying for public office.
While these adjustments aim to streamline the pre-election procedures, the polling date remains unchanged, set for February 08, 2024. The Election Commission’s dedication to upholding democratic values and responding to the concerns of political entities showcases a commitment to fostering a transparent and participatory electoral environment.
As the revised schedule unfolds, political parties and candidates have the extended opportunity to engage in the electoral process, contributing to a vibrant democratic discourse in Pakistan. The Election Commission’s proactive approach in addressing requests further reinforces its pivotal role in ensuring a credible and representative democratic process.
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No doubts about general elections on Feb 8: PM Kakar
Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar Thursday said there should be no doubt about polls on February 8 as the election process had started with the candidates filing their nomination papers and the political parties busy in building narratives to attract voters.
In an interview with a private television channel, he said it was a constitutional requirement to hold elections which would be held on February 8 after which a newly elected government would be formed.
To a question, he said the government would provide security to political leaders, including the three time prime minister Nawaz Sharif, Maulana Fazlur Rehman, Maryam Nawaz, Imran Khan, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and others.
Prominent political leaders could be targeted and the government would be blamed for any lapse in their security, he continued.
“It is the responsibility of the government to provide security to political leaders and voters of Pakistan.” He said the caretaker government would fulfil its responsibility during the holding of elections.
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It would be illegal to stop the Pakistan Tehreek-e- Insaf (PTI) from taking part in the elections, PM Kakar said and clarified there was no policy to stop the PTI from organizing public meetings.
On the election day, the candidates of PTI would be in the field and the voters would be voting for them, he commented. He said those who were involved in the incidents of May 9 were facing the law of the land. He was of the view that those involved in the May 9 incidents should not be public office-holders.
He said the Election Commission should look into complaints made by political parties about maladministration.
To a question, he said overall political circumstances triggered the actions against the PTI and lessons were learnt by the State.
He said, “It is not our job to tell overseas Pakistanis which political party they should support.”
However, the people should vote for a party which had an agenda for the economic revival of Pakistan, he opined. “I will vote for a party which has an agenda to revive the economy,” he asserted.
The prime minister said there was a wave of terrorism in the country and there were forces which wanted to cause disruption in Pakistan and the government would make all efforts to protect the lives of people.
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