ISLAMABAD: It seems impossible to hold elections in Punjab on May 14 due to printing of ballot papers and photo voter lists and non-provision of funds required for training of polling officials.
The original schedule for printing of ballot papers and photo electoral rolls has been badly affected and delayed and it is not possible to make up for the time loss that has already been incurred.
Sources in the Election Commission say that the ECP has already informed the Supreme Court that it would not be in a position to print the ballot papers, which would result in a halt or delay in the election process.
The printing of ballot papers was supposed to start on April 20 and be completed by May 9, but due to non-availability of required funds, it has not started yet.
Similarly, the printing of photo electoral rolls has started and is being delayed. The printing of these lists for the May 14 polls was to begin on April 11 and be completed by May 5. The Supreme Court was informed by the ECP that the printing of electoral rolls would not be possible in time, which could disrupt the electoral scheme. .
Due to non-release of funds, the entire operation of training of polling officials has also been delayed.
ECP also needed funds to pay for the deployment of the armed forces but in this case the armed forces are not ready for election duties due to their core responsibilities. The commission told the Supreme Court that peaceful polling cannot be ensured by the deployment of police personnel alone and deployment of armed and civil armed forces as a stable mode is necessary for free, fair and transparent elections. . Keeping aside the issue of funding, the commission is also in favor of holding elections in Punjab on October 8, 2023. In its report submitted to the Supreme Court, the commission has recently reiterated its stand regarding holding elections on October 8. He had warned the Supreme Court that if the commission’s itinerary was not followed, it could lead to confusion and chaos in the country.
“The responsibility of the Election Commission of Pakistan is not only to conduct elections but that such elections should be free, fair and transparent, so that voters can cast their votes freely, fearlessly and peacefully. It is reiterated that The polling date of October 8, 2023 as announced earlier is in keeping with the ground realities and it is also believed that if this roadmap is not followed, it will lead to confusion and chaos in our country. Can, whose responsibility lies with the government. ECP cannot afford,” read the commission’s report submitted by the ECP secretary before a three-judge bench last week.
The commission also warned that if the elections are not included in the static mode by other law enforcement agencies, the lives and safety of the voters, especially the polling staff and the large number of public, will be at risk. There is a possibility of compromise.
