Third resolution seeking delay in elections lands in Senate

Another resolution seeking delay in the general elections scheduled for February 8 was submitted in the Senate on Sunday, citing weather and security situation in the country, especially Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province.

On January 5, an sparsely attended session of the upper house of parliament stirred conversations when it passed a resolution, though non-binding, advocating for the postponement of the general elections due to security and adverse weather concerns.

Introduced by independent Senator Dilawar Khan and primarily supported by senators from the Balochistan Awami Party (BAP), the resolution, initially unscheduled for discussion, seemingly garnered tacit approval from some other parties. The absence of lawmakers from mainstream political parties raised several questions.

During the voice vote, PPP Senator Bahramand Tangi remained silent and later delivered a speech emphasizing the need for peace before polls. This deviation from party policy led to Tangi receiving a show-cause notice from the PPP.

The resolution’s passage was condemned by politicians and lawyers who labeled it a “conspiracy against democracy,” asserting the need for timely elections. In response, Senator Mushtaq Ahmed Khan submitted a resolution in the Senate, emphasizing adherence to “constitutional requirements” and timely conduct of the polls. Senators from PTI, PPP, and Jamaat-i-Islami later requisitioned a session to discuss the timely conduct of free and fair polls.

However, on Friday, independent Senator Hidayatullah submitted a second resolution to the upper house, advocating for a delay in polls. The resolution cited the surge in terrorism and violence in the country, particularly armed attacks in North Waziristan, Bajaur, and Turbat, as reasons for insecurity.

The resolution urged the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) and the Supreme Court to consider postponing the polls for three months due to security challenges. During this period, the government should establish an environment ensuring a level playing field for all political parties and candidates.

Today, a third resolution, demanding a delay in polls, was submitted to the Senate Secretariat by independent Senator Hilalur Rehman from KP. Citing the cold weather and increasing terrorism incidents in KP as reasons, the resolution highlighted the challenges citizens face in casting their votes and candidates in campaigning due to harsh weather conditions. It urged the ECP to reschedule the polls to a date acceptable to all stakeholders, facilitating free and fair elections by addressing obstacles and concerns in the process.