In a recent development, it has been revealed that Pakistan is gearing up for its next general elections, with the tentative date set for January 28, 2023. Sources within the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) have disclosed that the ECP staff has prepared a preliminary schedule for the upcoming polling. While the exact date is yet to be confirmed, it is expected to fall within the window of January 27 to January 30, 2023.
The final election schedule will be formally announced after receiving the necessary approvals from the Election Commission. The ECP has taken significant steps to engage with relevant authorities and stakeholders in determining the most suitable date for the upcoming elections.
Provincial Governments’ Proposal
Earlier this week, the Election Commission reached out to the caretaker governments of all provinces to solicit their input regarding the election date. In response, provincial governments proposed holding the general elections between February 11 and February 25, 2023. Until then, it appeared likely that the elections would take place in the last week of February.
PPP’s Call for Prompt Elections
The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has been vocal in advocating for the prompt announcement of the election schedule. Citing Article 224 of the Constitution, the PPP requested that the next general elections be conducted within 90 days. Nayyar Bukhari, a prominent PPP leader, stressed the importance of adhering to the constitutional timeline and urged the Election Commission to promptly announce the election date.
Sherry Rehman, a former minister and PPP member, echoed these sentiments. She emphasized the anxiety prevalent among the population and urged for immediate clarity on the election schedule. After a meeting with the Election Commission, PPP leaders conveyed their concerns to the Chief Election Commissioner, Sikandar Sultan Raja.
ECP’s Commitment to Expedite the Process
Following their discussions with the PPP, the Election Commission issued a communique in which they assured the party of their commitment to announce the election schedule as soon as possible. They also expressed their intent to expedite the process of new delimitations to ensure a timely election.
Nayyar Bukhari reiterated the PPP’s stance that the elections should be held within the constitutionally mandated timeframe, and the party urged the Election Commission to promptly announce both the election date and the associated schedule.
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As anticipation builds for Pakistan’s upcoming general elections, citizens and political parties alike are eagerly awaiting the final confirmation of the election date, which is expected to be a critical event in the nation’s democratic process.
