KARACHI: Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) , which is also coalition partner in ruling PDM, has called off its Sindh-wide protest scheduled for April 25 to demand nationwide elections on a single day.
PPP president for Sindh, Nisar Khuhro had announced on Sunday to stage protests across Sindh to press for the demand. However, Khuhro called off the protest and urged to heed the people’s demand, warning that a new date for the protest would be announced otherwise.
The PPP announced that they will hold demonstrations throughout the province to protest the Supreme Court’s order to either agree on a date for holding simultaneous elections across the country or have elections in Punjab on May 14.
In his statement, Khuhro argued that separate elections in provinces would wreak havoc with the political system of Pakistan and bring a question mark over the transparency of elections. He added that holding general elections on a single day across the country after completion of five years’ term of assemblies will strengthen the political system.
It may be added here that the Constitution of Pakistan does not have any clause to provide for holding elections on single day. Instead, it just guides to holding elections in 60 days if the assembly or assemblies are dissolved after completing their tenure, or 90 days if they are dissolved prematurely.
Nisar Khuhro emphasized that the decision to hold elections is the Election Commission’s prerogative, and any court decision should be reviewed in full. He urged the court to review its decision on polls by forming a full court. He also stated that if necessary to restore Punjab and KPK assemblies, these assemblies should be restored.
Khuhro urged the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to decide the election date as it has the authority to conduct elections. The PPP’s demand for nationwide elections on a single day comes amidst a political turmoil in the country. The PPP’s call for the postponement of its protests is expected to reduce tensions in the region.
