ON the face of it, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) is moving ahead with its plans to conduct the general election in the country but President Dr Arif Alvi has expressed skepticism about holding of the poll in January as indicated earlier by the Commission. In an interview, the President said he doesn’t believe they will be held in January next year but called for transparency whenever held. He emphasized the need for national reconciliation and provision of level playing field to all parties.
No firm date was given but the ECP announced last month it can hold the general election in the last week of January on completion of the related formalities in respect of delimitation of the constituencies and updating of the voters’ lists. It is also in close contact with other stakeholders including political parties to give final shape to arrangements for different stages of the electoral exercise. In the latest move, the ECP has invited international observers to watch the upcoming general election, saying their presence would add a valuable dimension to the polling process, ensuring its transparency and impartiality. However, in the absence of a clear and firm date for polls, rumours are rife about possible delay citing different reasons and scenarios, some of which were highlighted by JUI (F) leader Maulana Fazlur Rehman. The skepticism of the President runs contrary to the pessimism expressed by the caretaker Prime Minister Anwar-ul-Haq Kakar the other day who said the Commission might announce a date for the poll soon. As the matter is now before the Supreme Court, it is highly likely that a deadline might come from the apex court in the light of input from the Election Commission and the caretaker set-up. The President has also thrown his weight behind the call and commitment of PML(N) leader Mian Nawaz Sharif to take all forces on board to steer the country out of the turbulent waters. One hopes practical steps would be taken for the purpose without wastage of further time as the vicious cycle of tension and confrontation needs to be broken so that whoever forms the government is able to devote full energies towards the gigantic task of economic development and resolution of the problems of the people.
