Resolution for delay in polls lands in Senate secretariat

ISLAMABAD: As the general elections draw nearer, a resolution was submitted in the Senate Secretariat Friday, seeking postponement of the nation-wide electoral exercise for three months.

Independent Senator Hidayatullah from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa submitted a resolution in the Senate Secretariat, pointing out that the Upper House of Parliament had taken note of an increase in attacks targeting candidates. The resolution says that an increase in terrorist and armed attacks in the country, specifically in Waziristan, Bajaur, Swabi and Turbat, had led to an elderly politician being injured and the death of a candidate.

It says, “This has created an atmosphere of fear and lack of security in the country. Threatening pamphlets were being sent to candidates’ residences and election officers. The Upper House of Parliament recognises that holding general elections is a constitutional duty.

“Where the Constitution emphasises that elections must be free and fair, it also ensures the fundamental right of protecting people’s lives and property,” it said, adding that Article 9 (right to security of person) of the Constitution says that it is the state’s primary responsibility to protect people’s lives and property.

The resolution urged the Election Commission of Pakistan and the Supreme Court to delay the general elections for three months due to current security challenges. And it suggested that during this time, the government should focus on creating an environment which guarantees a level-playing field for all political parties and candidates.

On January 5, a sparsely attended sitting of the Senate was widely discussed, following the adoption of a resolution that sought the postponement of the general elections over security and bad weather concerns. The resolution was not scheduled for discussion and was introduced by independent Senator Dilawar Khan from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, backed by Balochistan Awami Party (BAP) senators as well as other parties in the House.

Subsequently, another resolution was submitted in the Senate Secretariat by JI Senator Mushtaq Ahmed, which emphasized the need to adhere to “constitutional requirements” and ensure timely conduct of the polls.

PTI, PPP and Jamaat-e-Islami legislators Thursday last filed a requisition for the Senate session to discuss the timely conduct of free and fair polls. PTI Senator Syed Ali Zafar submitted the requisition notice, which was signed by members from the three political parties calling for the conduct of general elections on February 8.