IN a significant stride towards ensuring the conduct of the general election in the month of January next year, Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has successfully completed the preliminary delimitation process. Published on Wednesday, these preliminary delimitations reflect the Commission’s proactive approach in rearranging electoral districts across the country in line with the 2023 digital census. This development not only underscores the ECP’s commitment to transparency but also instils confidence that the forthcoming general election may not face substantial delays, as previously speculated.
The ECP’s decision to expedite the delimitation process is indeed commendable. Originally scheduled for publication on October 9, the Commission took into account the concerns of various political parties and opted to curtail the timeline by 14 days. This adjustment allowed the delimitation process to conclude by November 30, instead of the initially planned date of December 14. Consequently, the list of preliminary constituencies was published on September 27, marking the beginning of a 30-day period during which objections or representations can be submitted by the voters of the concerned constituencies. By allowing voters to voice their objections and concerns regarding the delimitation, the Commission ensures that the process remains open to public scrutiny and participation. The ECP has also set a clear and well-defined procedure for submitting representations which includes the requirement for voter signatures and constituency maps. This meticulous approach ensures that the Commission can thoroughly consider and address the concerns of the electorate. The swift completion of the delimitation process carries significant implications for the scheduling of the general election. Speculations had been rife that the elections could be postponed by at least a year, citing various pretexts. However, the ECP’s adherence to its revised timeline indicates a strong commitment to holding the elections as planned. It should serve as a source of optimism for all stakeholders, including political parties and the general public. The focus must remain on ensuring a level playing field for all political parties, so that allegations of pre or post poll rigging do not surface, as has been the case in previous electoral processes. For this the caretaker set-up and the ECP will have to play their respective part.
