The election commission has issued a written decision regarding the postponement of Senate elections in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), citing crucial procedural lapses and the incomplete formation of the electoral college.
According to the issued decision, the speaker of the KP Assembly had been instructed to administer the oath to newly elected members on specific seats. However, the commission noted that despite these instructions, no arrangements were made by the speaker for the swearing-in ceremony.
This failure to facilitate the oath-taking process for elected members has led to the postponement of Senate elections in KP. The election commission emphasized that denying voting rights to members amounts to disenfranchisement, thereby compromising the integrity and fairness of the electoral process.
"The electoral college is incomplete for the Senate elections in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Polling for the Senate election is postponed to the extent of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa," the ECP added.
The decision to postpone the elections was made by a five-member commission, chaired by Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja, utilizing powers conferred under Article 218(3) of the Constitution and the Elections Act. This move underscores the Commission's commitment to upholding the principles of integrity, fairness, and free elections as enshrined in the Constitution.
As per the written order, the Senate elections in KP will remain suspended until the newly elected members of the provincial assembly are sworn in.
This development has sparked discussions among political circles and stakeholders, highlighting the importance of adhering to constitutional provisions and electoral regulations in safeguarding the democratic process. With the postponement of Senate elections in KP, attention now turns to the resolution of procedural issues and the resumption of electoral activities in the province.
