CEC rules out postponement of local government polls

Acting Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), Justice Abdul Hameed Dogar on Thursday ruled out postponement of forthcoming local government elections. "There is no such possibility," he replied to a question at the concluding session of one day workshop organised by the election commission of Pakistan to update media persons on the election process and preparations.
The CEC was asked either there is any possibility to postpone local government election in wake of flood in certain areas. "No, there is no possibility to postpone the local government elections. The elections will be held according to announced schedule," the chief election commissioner said.
He said the election commission has made every arrangement to ensure free, fair, impartial and transparent local government elections.
To a question, the CEC said, report of the district returning officer on the Balochistan incident has been received and decision on it will be made shortly.
When asked about criteria for disqualification of the candidates, the CEC said, it has been defined in the code of conduct and there is also punishment in the law for violating this code.
About situation in Karachi, he said, soon a meeting will be held in Karachi to look into law and order situation there. "This is our utmost endeavour not to call Army for holding elections. But, if anywhere such a situation arises and the concerned provincial government request the election commission to call in Army, then we shall consider their request accordingly."
The CEC said, under the Article 220 of the constitution, administration of all the provinces is bound to follow any directives issued by the election commission.
He said the parliamentarians have been allowed to contest LG election under the section 152 (G) of the Local Government Ordinance.
When asked about the participation of the elected representatives in the LG elections being held on non-party basis, he said, "everything has been made clear in the code of conduct."
"I hope all the contesting candidates will follow this code to ensure smooth election process," he added.
To another question, Secretary Election Commission, Kanwar Muhammad Dilshad told media persons that 1.5 million new voters were enrolled in the electoral rolls completed on March 15.