ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has deferred the announcement of schedule for local government elections in Punjab and Sindh.

The commission in a statement said it was required to issue the schedule on Tuesday in pursuance of the commitment made before the Supreme Court and directions given by the court on March 10.

The ECP said it was all prepared to hold the polls as expected but pointed out that certain activities were required to be carried out prior to the announcement of the schedule, including publication of final delimitation of constituencies, revision of electoral rolls on the basis of claims and objections received by the registration officers and completion of legal formalities required for the purpose of elections.

It said the government of Punjab had made certain amendments in the Punjab Local Government Act, 2013, as a result of which relevant sections of the Punjab Local Government (Conduct of Elections) Rules, 2013, also require amendments.

The government of Sindh intends to make certain amendments about direct and indirect elections in the province and necessary legislation for the purpose was to be made by Aug 7. Consequently, amendments will also need to be made in the Sindh Local Council (Election) Rules, 2015. In the absence of prescribed rules, the printing of nomination papers was not possible.

The ECP said that after final publication of the list of constituencies, voters had a right to get their votes transferred. However, they would be deprived of this right under Section 20 of the Electoral Rolls Act, 1974, once the election schedule was issued before the publication of final list of constituencies.

It said these activities had not been completed yet and at least 10-15 days were required for it.

The commission pointed out that the two governments had expressed concern about sparing their administrative officers for election duties as district returning officers, returning officers, etc., because of their involvement in the rehabilitation process in flood-hit areas. They have requested that the flood situation may be kept in view while going ahead for holding the elections.

The ECP said it had approached the Supreme Court for extension in time of issuance of the schedule till Aug 17, instead of July 28, and expressed the hope that the case would be taken up for hearing in coming days.

It expressed optimism that the court would accede to its request.

Published in Dawn, July 29th, 2015

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