Pakistan
Bilawal demands timely elections within 90-day constitutional limit
The PPP chairman underscores that the PPP's primary focus remains addressing these pressing challenges, rather than engaging in political rivalries.
Karachi: PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Friday called for the swift scheduling of elections within the constitutional limit of 90 days.
Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari emphasized the paramount issues currently confronting the nation, including inflation, unemployment, and poverty. He underscored that the PPP's primary focus remains addressing these pressing challenges, rather than engaging in political rivalries.
The PPP chairman emphasized that the PPP has consistently striven to support the Pakistani populace and alleviate poverty. He stressed the significance of adhering to the constitutional mandate of conducting elections within the 90-day timeframe, thereby enabling the PPP to serve the nation and mitigate the economic hardships faced by its citizens. He was addressing a press conference in Karachi on Friday.
The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) had previously ruled out the possibility of holding elections this year, despite the constitutional requirement that polls must occur within 90 days following the dissolution of the National Assembly (NA), as stipulated in Article 224 of the Constitution, with the deadline set for November 9.
The ECP's decision to postpone elections beyond November 9 is based on its consideration of the forthcoming results of the new digital 2023 census, as well as Section 17(2) of the Elections Act, which mandates the delimitation of constituencies following each officially published census.
Regarding a question pertaining to Maulana Fazlur Rehman's recent statement regarding the PPP's stance on early elections, Bilawal acknowledged the senior politician's status but refrained from delving into the specifics of his statement. He reiterated that the PPP has remained prepared for elections and maintains its commitment to holding them within the 90-day constitutional timeframe, according to their interpretation of the Constitution.
Bilawal pointed out differences in interpretation among the PPP, the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM), and the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) regarding the timing of elections. He disclosed that the PPP had engaged in discussions with the ECP on this matter, leading to the advancement of dates for constituency delimitation. Nevertheless, he urged the ECP to promptly announce the election dates and schedule.
Bilawal also expressed concerns regarding the ECP's decision to transfer police personnel, provincial secretaries, and commissioners within Sindh, arguing that such transfers should not occur until the official announcement of the election schedule. He called upon the ECP to reevaluate its approach in this regard.
Responding to another question, Bilawal extended his solidarity to politicians facing legal challenges and stressed the imperative of gaining experience and learning during such times. He also vehemently condemned attacks on sensitive military installations and underscored the necessity of deterring any future assaults.
Bilawal highlighted the importance of upholding the people's right to choose their leaders freely, irrespective of party affiliations, whether from the PPP, PML-N, PTI, or any other political entity. He emphasized that all stakeholders should accept the collective will of the electorate.