In proceedings on Tuesday regarding alleged mistakes and irregularities in the delimitation process for constituencies PS-07, PS-08, and PS-09 in the Shikarpur district of Sindh, Chief Justice of Pakistan Umar Ata Bandial emphasized the need for transparent delimitations by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).
A two-judge bench of the Supreme Court, including the Chief Justice and Justice Sayyed Mazahar Ali Akbar Naqvi, remanded the case to the commission for further consideration.
The approaching midterm elections were a topic of conversation at the hearing. Justice Bandial inquired regarding the election date, noting that the ECP’s director general (legal) had remained silent, suggesting that a date had not yet been settled upon.
Justice Bandial emphasised the significance of open delimitations by noting the frequency with which this matter has been brought before the court due to the widespread public interest in it.
Justice Bandial added that revenue officials’ changes to the dotted circles during delimitation could have a major impact on candidates’ chances of being elected.
He brought up how touchy the topic of delimitations is, especially in Sindh. The chief judge referred the petition back to the ECP to take the appropriate steps before the next elections.
ECP Considers Delimitations Problem Today
According to a subsequent written order from the Supreme Court, the ECP successfully justified its decision regarding Sindh constituencies under Election Rules 10(4).
Election Rules prohibit tax officials from making changes to the boundaries of a constituency by moving the dotted circle, and this ruling makes it clear.
The ECP denied the petitioners’ request to reconsider the late delimitation of three Shikarpur constituencies. The court pointed out that there is no deadline for filing an application with the commission according to the Election Act.
The Supreme Court brought attention to the ECP’s mistaken stance in court and gave the commission a chance to respond to the petitioners’ concerns before rendering a ruling. It warned that if this didn’t happen, the court would decide the case on its own. After the summer break, the next court date will be set.
The proceedings emphasised the need of honest and precise delimitations in protecting the legitimacy of elections.
