• Independent Senator Dilawar Khan cites bad weather, security concerns as reasons for delay
• With mere 14 lawmakers in attendance, motion passed with support from BAP members
• Despite being only one opposing the move, PML-N’s Afnanullah fails to point out quorum

ISLAMABAD: A thinly-attended session of the upper house of parliament on Friday became the talk of the town after it adopted a resolution, albeit a non-binding one, seeking the postponement of the general elections, set to be held on February 8, over security and bad weather concerns.

The widely panned resolution, which was not initially scheduled for discussion, was introduced by independent Senator Dilawar Khan and received support primarily from Balochistan Awami Party (BAP) senators.

However, it also appeared to have the tacit support of some other parties, and the absence of lawmakers from mainstream political parties raised several questions.

Senator Bahramand Tangi of the PPP not only kept silent at the time of the voice vote, but also delivered a speech stressing the need for peace before polls. He was later issued a show-cause notice by his party for deviating from its policy.

Similarly, Senator Kamil Ali Agha of PML-Q and Senator Gurdeep Singh of PTI did not cast their votes, either.

PML-N Senator Afnanullah Khan was the lone voice of opposition against the resolution, but he too failed to act smartly and point out quorum to prevent the resolution’s passage when only 14 members were present in the house, where at least a quarter of lawmakers are required to be present to ensure that quorum is complete.

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In his speech, Senator Dilawar emphasised the constitutional right to vote and the Election Commission of Pakistan’s duty to ensure inclusive and fair elections. He raised concerns about low voter turnout in colder regions during the winter months of January and February, particularly in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and cited security threats to politicians and attacks on security forces as other reasons for the postponement.

He said intelligence agencies have warned that militants could target election rallies in both the provinces.

Highlighting health concerns, particularly the resurgence of Covid-19, Mr Dilawar stressed the need to address these concerns to uphold constitutional rights and ensure the safety of politicians and citizens. He urged the ECP to reschedule the elections, allowing for continued nomination processes and stakeholder engagement to facilitate free and fair elections.

Saying that he held the Supreme Court judgement regarding the election date in “the highest esteem”, Mr Dilawar claimed the Senate “is obligated to ensure the constitutional guarantees and to alleviate fears of the smaller provinces, especially vulnerable geographical territories”.

“The Senate of Pakistan hereby resolves that conducting elections without addressing legitimate concerns, facilitating sufficient opportunities for election campaigns, and guaranteeing the safety of politicians and citizens would amount to a violation of the fundamental right to vote and political participation, as safeguarded by the Constitution of Pakistan,” the resolution said.

“The elections scheduled for 8th February 2024 may be postponed to facilitate the effective participation of people from all areas of Pakistan and belonging to all political shades in the electioneering process. This delay aims to protect and uphold their constitutional right to political participation,” it added.

The resolution urged the ECP to implement the postponement promptly and ensure that all necessary arrangements are in place to facilitate the smooth conduct of elections on the revised date. “The process of filing of nomination papers and scrutiny shall continue with the revised/extended timelines,” it said.

‘Polls held in February twice’

PML-N Senator Afnan­ullah criticised the resolution, comparing current conditions to what prevailed in 2008 and 2013, when elections were held despite worse circumstances. He also questioned the motives behind the proposed delay, suggesting “financial benefits for some” as a factor.

“Will you delay elections on the pretext of weather and security?” he asked. “Why didn’t you say these things in 2008 and 2013? I want to keep this on record that general elections were held twice in February.”

Another independent senator, Hidayatullah Khan, spoke about recent threats and attacks, including those targeting political figures, advocating for a careful assessment of the situation.

He said he had registered nine FIRs in the past two weeks over threats he had received, including a threat letter received the previous night. He said polls could be put off for two to four months.

BAP Senator Manzoor Ahmed also supported the resolution, citing the recent rise in terrorist attacks as a justification for the delay. He said delaying elections for six to eight months “will not be problematic”.

The resolution was put to the vote for the second time after caretaker Information Minister Murtaza Solangi came to the House. Senate Chairman Sadiq Sanjrani informed him that a resolution had been passed in his absence and asked if he would oppose it. After the minister replied in the affirmative, the resolution was put to vote again.

Published in Dawn, January 6th, 2024