In a significant turn of events, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) is actively considering January 28, 2024, as the date for the upcoming General Elections. This decision comes in the wake of the dissolution of the National Assembly and other provincial assemblies, leading to a flurry of petitions and legal deliberations to ensure that elections take place within the constitutional timeframe.
The 90-Day Deadline
The constitutional requirement in Pakistan mandates that General Elections must be held within 90 days following the dissolution of the National Assembly. To meet this stringent deadline, the ECP is racing against the clock, with a two-day window to inform the Supreme Court of Pakistan (SC) about its preparations for the upcoming elections.
Doubts Cast by Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa
During a recent court hearing, Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa raised concerns regarding the feasibility of holding elections within the 90-day timeframe. He expressed doubts about the ECP’s level of preparedness and the challenges they might face in meeting this tight deadline.
Petitions and Political Landscape
The dissolution of the National Assembly on August 9 triggered a series of petitions and legal actions from various quarters of the political spectrum. Notably, the Supreme Court Bar Association, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), and other parties filed petitions urging the ECP to conduct elections within the stipulated 90-day period.
Delay Due to Census Approval
The initial delay in announcing the election date was linked to the approval of the 7th Population and Housing Census for the year 2023 by the Council of Common Interest (CCI). Following this crucial step, the ECP made the announcement that the General Elections would be held during the last week of January 2024.
Controversy and Debate
The issue of holding elections within the 90-day timeframe remains a contentious topic within Pakistan’s political landscape. Various petitions and arguments have been put forth, with some advocating for strict adherence to the constitutional deadline and others highlighting the practical challenges involved.
Conclusion
The decision of Pakistan’s Election Commission to target January 28, 2024, for the General Election date is a significant development in the country’s political sphere. While there are doubts and debates regarding the feasibility of conducting elections within the 90-day constitutional limit, it remains to be seen how the situation unfolds. As the ECP and the Supreme Court continue their deliberations, Pakistan’s political future hangs in the balance.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the 90-day constitutional limit for holding General Elections in Pakistan?
The constitutional requirement mandates that General Elections in Pakistan must take place within 90 days following the dissolution of the National Assembly.
2. Why was there a delay in announcing the General Election date?
The delay in announcing the General Election date was primarily due to the approval of the 7th Population and Housing Census for the year 2023 by the Council of Common Interest (CCI).
3. Which parties and organizations have filed petitions regarding the election date?
The Supreme Court Bar Association, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), and several other political entities have filed petitions urging the Election Commission to conduct elections within the 90-day constitutional timeframe.
4. Who expressed doubts about the ECP’s ability to meet the 90-day deadline for elections?
Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa expressed doubts during a recent hearing, stating that it was unlikely for the ECP to meet the 90-day deadline due to a lack of preparation.
5. What is the current status of the General Election date for Pakistan in 2024?
As of now, the Election Commission of Pakistan is considering January 28, 2024, as the date for the General Elections, but the final decision is still pending approval by the Supreme Court of Pakistan.