ISLAMABAD, Dec 30 (FD): The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Friday held the provincial and federal governments responsible for not holding local body (LB) elections on time in Islamabad.
The electoral watchdog made the remark in its written response submitted to the Islamabad High Court (IHC) in a case pertaining to the postponement of LB elections in the capital.
In the response, the ECP stated that the provincial and central governments are responsible for not holding LB elections on time.
The electoral body maintained that it is serious about conducting the elections and suggested not changing the laws before the elections, and amending Article 140 (A) of the Constitution and Election Act 219 to fulfill the constitutional responsibility of conducting local elections.
The ECP furthered that it had ordered the LB elections on time but the high court had declared the order null and void.
“Under section 219 (1) the local government shall conduct elections subject to the rules, however, when the preparations for the elections are completed, changes in the laws by the federal and provincial governments hinder the timely conduct of the elections,” the response added.
It also stated that Section 219 (1) and (4) are contradictory and that Section 219 (1) mandates LG polls at the provincial and central levels under the Local Government Acts.
The ECP explained that the proposed amendment to the law is intended to prevent central or provincial governments from changing the laws before elections are near. The commission also appealed to the court to reject the request of the petitioners.
The electoral watchdog told the court that the ministry of law has agreed to hold local body elections in four months. However, the interior minister has sought time for consultation with the federal government.
It should be noted that IHC Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir will hear the case against the postponement of local body elections today.
Earlier this week, the ECP had postponed the local body elections which were scheduled for December 31 in the federal capital on the grounds that the number of union councils is being increased in line with the boost in population.
The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) had challenged the ECP’s decision. However, the IHC had dismissed he appeal terming it ineffective.
