ELECTION COMMISSION'S POSTPONEMENT OF PUNJAB POLLS RULED NULL AND VOID BY SUPREME COURT PAKISTAN

 

ELECTION COMMISSION'S POSTPONEMENT OF PUNJAB POLLS RULED NULL AND VOID BY SUPREME COURT PAKISTAN

The Court nullified the decision of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to postpone the elections in Punjab and ordered the elections to be held on May 14th, 2023. This decision has created a stir in the political arena of Pakistan, with some welcoming the decision, while others criticizing it.

In a recent turn of events, the Supreme Court of Pakistan has declared the Election Commission's notification of postponing the Punjab Assembly elections till October 8 null and void. The court has ordered polling to be held in Punjab on May 14, which has come as a major relief to many political parties and their supporters.

 

The Punjab Assembly elections were originally scheduled to be held on April 8, but the Election Commission had announced their postponement on the grounds of the worsening COVID-19 situation in the country. The decision was met with widespread criticism from various political parties, who claimed that the Election Commission had overstepped its boundaries and violated the Constitution.

 

The election postponement case started when the ECP announced on March 15th that it was postponing the elections in Punjab due to security concerns. The decision was made after the recent spate of terrorist attacks in the province, which left dozens dead and many more injured. The ECP claimed that it had received intelligence reports that suggested that there was a serious threat to the security of candidates and voters during the election period.

 

The decision was immediately criticized by political parties, who accused the ECP of being influenced by the ruling party and trying to delay the elections to give them an advantage. The opposition parties announced that they would challenge the decision in court, and soon after, several petitions were filed in the Lahore High Court.

The case was brought before the Supreme Court by the opposition parties, who argued that the Election Commission's decision was unconstitutional and politically motivated. The court heard arguments from both sides and subsequently declared the Election Commission's notification null and void.

 

 

After hearing arguments from both sides, the Court issued a detailed judgment on the matter. The court held that the decision of the ECP to postpone the elections was not based on any legal or constitutional provision, and therefore, it was arbitrary and illegal. The court also noted that the ECP had not provided any concrete evidence to support its claim that there was a serious security threat to the elections.

 

The court further observed that the postponement of the elections would have serious implications for democracy and the rule of law in Pakistan. It noted that the people of Punjab had the right to elect their representatives in a free and fair manner, and any attempt to delay the elections would be a violation of their fundamental rights.

 

The court also criticized the ECP for not consulting with political parties before making the decision to postpone the elections. It held that the ECP had a duty to engage with all stakeholders and take their views into account before making any such decision.

 

The court ordered that the elections in Punjab be held on May 14th, 2023, and directed the ECP to take all necessary measures to ensure the safety and security of candidates and voters. The court also directed the ECP to issue a public apology for the inconvenience caused to the people of Punjab by the postponement of the elections.

 

However, the ruling party has criticized the decision, and some members have accused the judiciary of interfering in the affairs of the ECP. They have also expressed concerns about the security situation in Punjab and the safety of candidates and voters during the election period.

 

The decision of the Court is likely to have far-reaching implications for the political landscape of Pakistan. It has reaffirmed the independence and integrity of the judiciary, which has been under attack by the ruling party in recent years. It has also highlighted the importance of free and fair elections in a democracy, and the need for all stakeholders to work together to ensure that they are held in a peaceful and secure environment.

 

 

However, the  Court's decision to nullify the Election Commission's decision and order fresh elections has been welcomed by many as a victory for democracy. It has also restored faith in the impartiality of the judiciary and the election process.

 

The decision is particularly significant given the context of the upcoming general elections, which are expected to be fiercely contested. It sends a message that the electoral process must be free and fair and that any attempts to manipulate it will not be tolerated.

 

The ruling party has also been forced to reassess its strategy in light of the court's decision. It must now work harder to win the people's trust and confidence, and convince them that it is the best party to lead the country.

 

Overall, the  Court's decision is a significant step towards strengthening democracy in the country. It sends a message that the rule of law must be respected and that the electoral process must be fair and transparent. It also highlights the importance of an independent judiciary, which plays a critical role in upholding the principles of democracy and protecting the rights of citizens must be protected at all costs.

In conclusion, the decision of the Court to nullify the decision of the ECP to postpone the elections in Punjab and order the elections to be held on May 14th, 2023, is a significant development in the political landscape of Pakistan. It has reaffirmed the importance of free and fair elections and the independence of the judiciary, and has sent a strong message to all stakeholders that the rule of law and democrac The Election Commission's decision to postpone the Punjab elections had stirred up a political storm, with several parties alleging that the move was influenced by the ruling party. The opposition parties also accused the Election Commission of being biased and questioned its independence.