The political drums have officially begun to beat in Pakistan as the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) unveiled the much-awaited schedule for the country’s upcoming general elections.

The Election Commission of Pakistan has taken a significant step by unveiling the schedule for the upcoming general elections, marking February 8, 2024, as the date for the nationwide electoral process.

The released schedule outlines a series of crucial dates and procedures leading up to the elections. According to the announced timeline, the nomination papers' submission window for candidates is set from December 20 to 22. The comprehensive list of candidates' names is slated to be revealed by December 23, setting the stage for the subsequent phases of scrutiny and appeals.

Commencing from January 1 and continuing until December 24 to December 30, the returning officers will meticulously scrutinize the submitted nomination papers. Appeals regarding the acceptance or rejection of these papers are scheduled to be heard on January 3, 2024.

ECP notification

The Election Commission has designated January 10, 2024, as the final day for decisions by the Appellate Authority on the appeals, following which a revised list of candidates will be published on January 11, 2024.

Moreover, January 12, 2024, has been declared as the deadline for the withdrawal of nomination papers, setting the stage for the allocation of election symbols to candidates on January 13, 2024.

ECP notification 2

This unveiling of the election schedule by the Election Commission coincides with a recent directive from the Supreme Court, mandating the Commission to announce the schedule promptly. The announced timeline sets the groundwork for a significant democratic event in the country, inviting candidates to participate and engage in the upcoming electoral process slated for February 8, 2024.

ECP chief vows to provide level playing field for PTI, other political parties

Earlier, Chief Election Commissioner Sikander Sultan Raja vowed to provide a level playing field for the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and other political parties.

Expressing his thoughts, Raja said, “I had never said the elections would be delayed in the country. It is better to do the confirmation prior to the dissemination of the news. We have prepared the election schedule.”

The chief electoral watchdog shed light on the meeting with the Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP). “Today I had a great meeting with the CJP.” "The issue of Islamabad, DC, is not a big deal. The matters in line with the Islamabad DC had been watched vigilantly," the ECP CEC said.

The chief election commissioner affirmed that objections related to any Returning Officer (RO) should be directed to the ECP. He clarified that elections were never off the table; ROs were selected from the bureaucracy due to High Court refusals.

Sikandar Sultan Raja emphasized that the Commission intends to release the schedule today. Ideally, the schedule should follow ROs' training, but with the Supreme Court's order, the schedule will be issued today, ensuring a level playing field for all parties, particularly addressing PTI's concerns.

Highlighting a cordial meeting with the Chief Justice, Raja mentioned that issues concerning the Islamabad Deputy Commissioner have been effectively addressed, and major constellations have been rectified.

Expressing a hope for cohesive political leadership, Raja emphasized the need for unity given the country's economic situation. He stressed the Election Commission's commitment to ensuring fairness in the electoral process.

Addressing past instances, Raja mentioned Shah Khawar's application and admitted to certain mistakes made by PTI, particularly acknowledging their failure to conduct elections for four years.

Regarding personal attacks, Raja mentioned misconceptions about his wife and expressed the Election Commission's desire for fair monitoring. He highlighted the need for equal opportunities for all political parties, ensuring equal access to city rallies.

In relation to Imran Khan, Raja clarified his stance, expressing his respect for the former PTI chairman and dismissing any personal bias, noting Imran Khan's nomination of Raja for the role.

SC quashes LHC verdict on appointment of ROs

The Supreme Court of Pakistan quashed the Lahore High Court's (LHC) verdict order halting the appointment of District Returning Officers (DROs) and Returning Officers (ROs) and ordered the Election Commission of Pakistan to announce schedule for upcoming general elections in the country.

A three-member bench of the apex court, headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa and comprising Justices Mansoor Ali Shah and Sardar Tariq Masood, took up the case.

In the ruling, it was highlighted that an appeal had been lodged against the Lahore High Court's December 13 order. The lawyer indicated that issuing the election schedule became impractical due to the Lahore High Court's directive.

The ECP stated that conducting elections became unfeasible following the High Court's order, which suspended the notification appointing DROs and ROs for the electoral process.

The court also noted that the Election Commission's lawyer highlighted the previous agreement among all parties to hold elections on February 8. This date had been fixed by the President and the Election Commission, complying with the court's instructions.

At the outset of the hearing, the Chief Justice inquired from the ECP’s lawyer, Sujeel Swati, about the early election schedule. The Chief Justice noted the previously set date of February 8 and questioned why the schedule had been moved up. Swati explained the time constraints in issuing the election schedule and assured the court of the Commission’s efforts to conduct timely elections.

Justice Sardar Tariq Masood emphasized the necessity of holding the elections regardless of the challenges. Swati highlighted an application filed by Umer Niazi of PTI in the Lahore High Court, prompting Chief Justice Qazi Faiz Isa to inquire whether Niazi’s application was individual or on behalf of the party.

The electoral watchdog’s lawyer clarified that Umer Niazi, being the Additional Secretary General of PTI, filed the application at the party level. Swati further outlined Niazi’s position in the petition, challenging the appointment of administrative officers for ROs and DROs and seeking nullification under Sections 50 and 51 of the Election Act.

The Chief Justice noted the absence of Justice Ijaz-ul-Ahsan from the bench and sought clarification from Justice Mansoor Ali Shah, emphasizing the importance of senior judges joining the bench as per the Supreme Court Practice and Procedure Act.

The Commission’s lawyer discussed the government’s role in providing the list of Returning Officers, stating the petitioners' desire for judicial officers to oversee the process.

Justice Mansoor Ali Shah questioned the timing of challenging this clause, while Swati pointed out the Election Commission's previous correspondence with the judiciary seeking judicial officers.

The Chief Justice raised concerns about a potential delay in the elections, referencing the Islamabad High Court's lack of response and the Peshawar High Court's advice to refer to the Judicial Policy Making Committee.

Swati reiterated the ECP’s priority to involve judiciary-appointed returning officers. The Chief Justice questioned Niazi's intent in urging the High Court to issue a writ against its own court, reminding that the Supreme Court had previously decided on the elections based on PTI's petition.

The electoral watchdog moved the apex court against the Lahore High Court's (LHC) order halting the training of district returning officers (DROs) and returning officers (ROs), which affected the polling process.

The saga began on December 11 when the ECP announced the commencement of training for newly appointed ROs. These ROs, primarily bureaucrats, were chosen to oversee the crucial role of conducting fair and transparent elections. However, the euphoria was short-lived.

On Wednesday night, the Lahore High Court threw a wrench in the plan, temporarily suspending the ECP's decision and questioning the legality of appointing bureaucrats to these critical positions.

IPP, PPP, PML-N and PML-Q become party in case being heard by LHC

The already intricate web surrounding Pakistan's upcoming general elections has entangled further, with four major political parties now seeking to join the ongoing legal battle over the appointment of Returning Officers (ROs) and District Returning Officers (DROs).

The Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP), Pakistan Muslim League-N (PML-N), Pakistan People's Party (PPP), and Pakistan Muslim League Quaid-e-Azam (PML-Q) have all expressed their intent to become parties in the case currently being heard in the Lahore High Court. This move signifies the increasing political temperature surrounding the critical issue, with each party aiming to have its voice heard and influence the final decision.

ECP CEC meets CJP

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) secretary stated on Friday that the electoral watchdog is ready to hold the elections on February 8.

The ECP’s legal team reached the Supreme Court of Pakistan (SCP). On the occasion, the ECP secretary said: “We are filing an application against the verdict of the Lahore High Court (LHC). With the blessings of the higher power, everything will be alright."

Earlier it was reported that the SC was expected to hear the case related to the general elections on Friday (today). Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja appeared before the SC today, where he had a crucial meeting with Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa. Attorney General Mansoor Usman Awan was also present during the meeting.

On this occasion, SC Justices Sardar Tariq Masood and Justice Ijaz ul Ahsan were also present.

Following the meeting, Attorney General Mansoor Usman Awani left the SC premises.

Firdous Ashiq Awan accuses PTI of 'resorting to delaying tactics' in elections

Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP) spokesperson Firdous Ashiq Awan blamed the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Friday for "resorting to delaying tactics" in the general elections.

Expressing his thoughts in Lahore, Firdous said: “The judiciary had expressed its reservations in this regard. We did not want to hurl allegations at anyone else.” “Which party had delayed the programme of training in line with the elections?” Awan said.

PML-N gears up for polls on Feb 8

PML-N senior leader Marriyum Aurangzeb made it clear on Friday that her party was ready for the general elections on February 8.

Expressing his thoughts, Marriyum said: “The political parties are depending on the PML-N’s preparations for the general elections.”

8 فروری 2024 کے عام انتخابات کے بروقت انعقاد کو یقینی بنانے کے لئے مسلم لیگ(ن) کا لاہور ہائیکورٹ سے رجوع کا فیصلہ کیا ہے .مسلم لیگ (ن) لاہور ہائیکورٹ کے ریٹرننگ افسران سے متعلق فیصلے کے خلاف لارجر بینچ میں فریق بنے گی .پاکستان مسلم لیگ (ن) کے قائد محمد نواز شریف اور صدر شہباز…
— Marriyum Aurangzeb (@Marriyum_A) December 15, 2023

“Those who led the country towards political instability cannot be forgiven. The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) is staging a conspiracy in a bid to halt the elections in the country,” she said.

Both PML-N, PTI running away from polls

Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) spokesperson Faisal Karim Kundi claimed on Friday that the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) were running away from the general elections.

Expressing his thoughts in Islamabad, Kundi said: “We want timely elections in the country, irrespective of the fact, whether there exists a level playing field or not. Why not have the election schedule announced if the ordinance can be issued at night?”

He maintained: “Will the role of the Election Commission of Pakistan have to be performed by the Supreme Court (SC)? It has been proven that the PML-N and PTI are on the same page. It is up to the masses to decide the country’s fate.”

JUI-F ready for general elections

Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) Hafiz Hamdullah said on Friday that his party was ready for the general elections on February 8.

Expressing his thoughts, Hamdullah questioned: “What is the need for creating doubts in holding the elections? The decision regarding the elections had already been made.”

He took a jibe at the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), saying, “The PTI has a negative role to play in this regard. The PTI wants to get some time ahead of the general elections. The PTI’s politics revolve around hypocrisy.”

“Maulana Fazlur Rehman wants the supremacy of the parliament even today. We are ready to uphold the constitution and democracy and lead the country towards political stability,” Hamdullah said.

– ECP clears the air over election preparations –

The ECP on Thursday announced that it has successfully finalised all arrangements for the upcoming elections scheduled for February 8.

ECP's statement comes in response to allegations made by the Chairman of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), which the commission dismissed as a failed attempt to mislead the public.

However, the electoral watchdog in its statement emphasised that the appointment of District Returning Officers (DROs) and Returning Officers (ROs) had been successfully executed, and training sessions for these officials were underway nationwide. Addressing the controversy surrounding the appointment of DROs and ROs, the ECP also acknowledged PTI's challenge to the appointments.