[ad_1]
Elections in the crisis-ridden country were originally due to be held in November, 90 days after the dissolution of the lower house of parliament in August, but were delayed to February due to the fresh demarcation of constituencies under a new census.
The resolution passed by the senate, however, is not binding and does not necessarily mean elections will be further delayed.
Pakistan is currently being run by a caretaker government under interim prime minister Anwaar ul Haq Kakar that is meant to oversee a general election.
Interim caretaker information minister Murtaza Solangi and PML-N Senator Afnan Ullah Khan both opposed the resolution, which was moved by independent Senator Dilawar Khan during a session with only 14 lawmakers in attendance, said a report by Dawn.
Pakistan’s upper house has a total of 100 members.
‘Too cold for voters’
Dilawar Khan said the Constitution upheld the right to vote for every citizen of Pakistan. “The vote turnout in colder areas remains notably high during the moderate weather conditions. January and February are recognised as the coldest months in the majority of the areas in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa,” he said.
Dilawar noted that various political parties had expressed their reservations regarding difficulties in ensuring participation in cold areas during the electoral process.
He also expressed “great concern” over serious threats to the lives of prominent politicians and highlighted that there had been a spike in attacks on security forces and citizens, particularly in KP and Balochistan. “The intelligence agencies have warned of militant attacks threats on election rallies in both provinces.”
Dilaway said the election schedule may be postponed to facilitate the “effective participation of people from all areas of Pakistan and belonging to all political shades”, adding that the delay aims to uphold constitutional rights to political participation.
PML-N fires back
PML-N Senator Afnan Ullah said the security situation in the country was indeed not good but highlighted that the conditions were worse in 2008 and 2013 yet elections were held. “Will you delay elections on the pretext of weather and security?” he asked.
He said that several people wanted the elections to be delayed because of “personal benefits”.
What further delay could mean
Pakistan is currently being run by a caretaker government under interim PM Anwaar ul Haq Kakar that is meant to oversee a general election.
Caretakers are usually limited to overseeing elections, but Kakar’s set-up is the most empowered in Pakistan’s history thanks to recent legislation that allows it to make policy decisions on economic matters.
The legislation is aimed at keeping on track the conditions for a $3 billion International Monetary Fund (IMF) bailout secured in June.
Political analysts fear that a prolonged period without an elected government would allow the military, which has ruled Pakistan for over three decades since independence in 1947 and wields considerable control even if not in power, to consolidate control.
(With inputs from agencies)
[ad_2]
Source link