Tomorrow, the ECP will be instructed to organize elections for the various local bodies in Islamabad.
ECP’s decision to postpone the local government elections that were slated to take place on December 31 was overturned by IHC Judge Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir.
ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has been ordered by the Islamabad High Court (IHC) to hold local body elections in the federal capital tomorrow (Saturday).
IHC Judge Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir overturned the Election Commission of Pakistan’s decision to delay the local government elections that were originally scheduled to take place on December 31. He also ordered the ECP to hold elections in 101 union councils of the federal capital on the date that was originally scheduled for those elections.
The verdict on the plea that the PTI had filed earlier today against the decision that the ECP had made to postpone the elections had been reserved by Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir earlier today.
The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) had agreed to hold local body elections within seven to ten days prior to the hearing of the case. However, the ECP held the provincial and federal governments liable for the failure to hold local body polls on time in Islamabad.
The observation was made by the election monitor in a written answer that was sent to the IHC in connection with a case that involved the postponing of LB elections in the capital.
The electoral body insisted that it is committed to carrying out the elections and proposed that the laws not be changed in the run-up to the elections, as well as Article 140 (A) of the Constitution and Election Act 219, in order to fulfil the constitutional responsibility of carrying out local elections.
The Election Commission of Pakistan further stated that although it had ordered the local government elections to be held on schedule, the high court had ruled that the order was invalid.
“The local government shall conduct elections subject to the rules,” the response said, adding that “under section 219 (1) the local government is required to conduct elections.” However, “when the preparations for the elections are completed, changes in the laws by the federal and provincial governments hinder the timely conduct of the elections.”
In addition, it noted that Section 219 (1) and (4) are inconsistent with one another, and that Section 219 (1) requires local government elections to be held at the provincial and central levels in accordance with the Local Government Acts.
According to the explanation provided by the ECP, the proposed revision to the law has the purpose of preventing central or provincial administrations from modifying the laws just before elections are scheduled to take place. Additionally, the commission filed an appeal with the court, requesting that it deny the petitioners’ motion.
The electoral watchdog reported to the court that the ministry of law has indicated that it is willing to organise elections for local bodies in about four months. Despite this, the minister of the interior has asked for more time so that they can discuss with the federal government.
Advocate Sardar Taimur Aslam stood in for the PTI on behalf of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf. Additional Attorney General Manoor Iqbal Dogal and Deputy Attorney General appeared in court on behalf of the federal government.
On this particular occasion, the court was also attended by the Director General of the Election Commission, in addition to other officials.
