Election Tribunal Dispute Escalates: ECP Boycotts Proceedings Amidst Tensions with LHC

The Election Commission has unveiled the latest voter statistics, revealing a significant increase in registered voters nationwide.

ISLAMABAD: Tensions have flared between the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) and the Lahore High Court over the authority to form election tribunals, escalating into a standoff between the two constitutional bodies.

In a significant development, the Election Commission has decided not to participate in the election tribunals, signaling a firm stance against the Lahore High Court’s jurisdiction in the matter. Sources reveal that the Commission will abstain from sending representatives or engaging in tribunal proceedings.

During a crucial meeting at the Election Commission, discussions also revolved around the possibility of lodging a presidential reference against the Chief Justice of Lahore High Court and Justice Shahid Karim.

The meeting shed light on the establishment of three types of election tribunals: those formed in consultation with both the Lahore High Court and the Election Commission, those established solely by the Lahore High Court without consulting the Election Commission, and tribunals unilaterally established by the Election Commission without the Lahore High Court’s input.

Under sub-clause three of the Election Act 2017, the Election Commission is empowered to establish tribunals after consulting the Chief Justice of the relevant High Court. However, the Commission has contested the formation of eight election tribunals by the Lahore High Court, seeking recourse through an appeal to the Supreme Court.

The Election Commission’s appeal against the eight election tribunals is slated for hearing tomorrow, indicating the continuation of the contentious dispute between the two entities.

ECP reports new data over 130 million registered voters nationwide

The Election Commission has unveiled the latest voter statistics, revealing a significant increase in registered voters nationwide.

As per the latest data released by the Election Commission, the total number of registered voters in Pakistan has surged to 13 crore, 4 lakh, 44 thousand, 891. Of these, male voters account for 7 crore, 1 lakh, 87 thousand, 683, while female voters total 6 crore, 2 lakh, 57 thousand, 208.

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In regional breakdowns provided by the Election Commission, Punjab leads with 7 crore, 42 lakh, 55 thousand, 74 registered voters, followed by Sindh with 2 crore, 73 lakh, 81 thousand, 237. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has seen its registered voter count rise to 2 crore, 22 lakh, 45 thousand, 264, while Balochistan now has 54 lakh, 50 thousand, 572 registered voters. Islamabad has also witnessed an increase, totaling 11 lakh, 12 thousand, 774 registered voters.

These figures highlight a robust voter registration drive nationwide, setting the stage for future electoral engagements with a diverse electorate.