ECP Postpones Hearing on Delimitation Grievances

APP

Islamabad: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has made the decision to postpone the hearing on delimitation grievances until after the General Elections of 2024. This move aligns with the Supreme Court’s directive aimed at ensuring the smooth progression of the election schedule without disruptions.

Taking cues from recent Supreme Court orders pertaining to delimitation issues, the Election Commission of Pakistan emphasized that challenges regarding delimitation will no longer serve as grounds for delaying elections. A specific case highlighted by the Supreme Court underscored the fundamental democratic principle of general elections, thereby reducing the procedural significance of delimitation in the electoral process.

The notification, endorsed by Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja and four members of the Election Commission, conveyed that the Supreme Court of Pakistan, in the proceedings related to the delimitation of District Zhob, Sherani (Civil Petition No. 4305/2023: Gul Khan and Others vs. Saeed-ur-Rehman and Others), underscored that the execution of general elections is not merely a procedural necessity but a fundamental principle upholding democratic ethos.

While constituency delimitation is crucial for fair representation, it doesn’t have the same urgency as conducting general elections. Postponing elections for delimitation concerns may create governance gaps and a legitimacy crisis. Thus, prioritising general elections aligns with the principles of proportionality and the greater good.

The Supreme Court emphasised that while delimitation issues are important, they should be addressed after elections. Adjudicating these matters before the elections could disrupt the timeline and derail the electoral process outlined in the programme announced on December 15, 2023. The Election Commission of Pakistan, following the court’s directive, will conduct elections based on the final delimitation notified on November 30.

Hence, the ECP, by Article 218(3) of the Constitution, Section 8 of the Elections Act, 2017, and the Supreme Court’s judgement, decides to defer the hearing of petitions to avoid adverse effects on the election schedule and the nomination filing deadline.

The cases will be postponed until the conclusion of General Elections 2024, and elections will proceed in constituencies based on Form-VII issued by the Commission on November 30, 2023, with no alterations allowed post-the Election Programme’s issuance, as per Section 22 of the Election Act, 2017, the ECP says in its order.