ECP’s fresh delimitation move divides PDM

KARACHI: The recent announcement by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) regarding the initiation of fresh delimitation based on the latest census results has sparked tensions between former coalition partners of Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM).

According to Dawn.com, right after the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) demanded elections within 90 days, a timeline that would require postponing the delimitation process, the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) joined other parties, including Pakistan Muslim League- Nawaz (PML-N) and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F), in endorsing the need for fresh delimitations.

The reports said that in Punjab, the PPP leadership urged Nawaz Sharif and Maryam Nawaz of the PML-N not to advocate for election delays, as this could impact their prospects in the elections.

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However, the MQM also expressed its commitment to push for fresh delimitations through all available means, including legal avenues. The party emphasised the importance of this process for ensuring free and fair elections.

A party spokesman stated, “The requirement for fresh delimitation stems from the new census results, and it is pivotal for upholding the principles of free and fair elections. MQM will explore all possible constitutional and legal avenues to achieve this goal.”

Furthermore, the PPP, following its Central Executive Committee (CEC) meeting, announced that it had agreed to approve digital census results in a Council of Common Interests (CCI) meeting, under the assurance that this move would not cause election delays. The party hinted at the possibility of legal action if their efforts to convince the Election Commission of Pakistan to adhere to the 90-day constitutional deadline were unsuccessful.

The reports said that Senator Waqar Mehdi reiterated the PPP’s stance, highlighting the party’s commitment to upholding the Constitution’s stipulated timeline for elections. He mentioned that legal options and public opinions would be considered if the ECP sought to delay elections beyond the mandated period.

However, key former coalition partners differ in their approach. PML-N urged the PPP to refrain from politicising constitutional issues, supporting ECP’s stance on fresh delimitations. On the other hand, JUI-F expressed confusion over the PPP’s aggressive stance, stating that while constitutional adherence is crucial, a slight delay in polls might not have significant consequences.