The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has officially declared that the upcoming national polls will be conducted in the last week of January 2024. This announcement follows intense scrutiny and pressure from various political parties seeking clarity on the election timeline within the confines of the country’s constitutional framework.
The ECP made the pivotal decision during a session convened to review the progress of delimitation procedures. The commission revealed that a preliminary list of constituencies would be made public on September 27, paving the way for an open review of objections and suggestions from stakeholders. Subsequently, the final list of constituencies is set to be unveiled on November 30, after addressing all concerns raised during the initial review process.
The electoral body has devised a meticulous 54-day election schedule that culminates in the last week of January 2024. This announcement aims to alleviate the growing uncertainty surrounding the election timeline.
The dissolution of the National Assembly on August 9, prompted by the advice of then-Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, triggered a constitutional timeline for holding elections within 90 days. This extended timeline was a direct consequence of the Shehbaz Sharif government’s approval of the 2023 census results, necessitating a fresh delimitation exercise.
Notably, President Arif Alvi had previously written to Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja, advocating for the elections to be conducted by November 6. However, CEC Raja had declined an invitation to meet with President Alvi, asserting that the ECP is empowered under new laws to set the election date independently, without the need for consultations.
Moreover, foreign diplomats from the United States and the United Kingdom recently engaged with the Chief Election Commissioner, urging the commission to ensure transparent and timely elections, underscoring the international significance of the forthcoming polls.
The ECP’s announcement now brings clarity to Pakistan’s political landscape, allowing political parties and voters to prepare for the crucial electoral process scheduled for early 2024.
