The Election Commission of Pakistan (EC) on Monday announced for the second time to delay the by-elections for two months that was previously scheduled for June 18, inviting strong criticism from the coalition government that termed the decision a "conspiracy against democracy".
"None of the party in coalition alliance was consulted," said Minister for Information Sherry Rehman talking to newsmen in Parliament House. PML-Q Senator Anisa Zeb Tahirkehali in a statement said no party of NWFP was consulted regarding the decision.
There seems no justification for the delay on the ground cited by the EC, she said, adding as law and order situation was more bad in settled district of NWFP during general elections, which were not delayed.
The ECP said it has postponed by-election till August 18 following a request by the NWFP government citing law and order situation. The new schedule, it said, would be announced soon keeping in view the parliamentarian engagement of budget session.
Minister for information reacting strongly said the coalition government condemns postponement of by-elections as none of the party in the alliance was taken into confidence. "This is conspiracy against democratic government", she said Supreme Court would be moved if the situation warranted.
The issue, she said would also be discussed between Pakistan Peoples Party Co-chairperson Asif Ali Zardari and Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz President Shahbaz Sharif later in the evening. The government will take action over the delay, Sherry said and inquiry would be conducted into as undemocratic forces were trying to influence the elections.
Political analysts believe that early by-elections would have benefited the coalition government in the given economic situation in the country and delay of two months might turn the table in favour of opposition parties if inflation, wheat and energy crisis linger on for another couple of moths
Bye-elections on eight national assembly and 30 provincial assemblies with NA 55 Rawalpindi, NA-11 Mardan-III, NA-52 Rawalpindi-III, NA-123 Lahore-VI, NA-131 Sheikhupura-I, NA-147 Okara-V, NA 119 Lahore-II and NA-207 Larkana.
The provincial assemblies seats where polls are PP-10 Rawalpindi-X, PP-48 Bhakkar-II, PP-59 Faisalabad-IX, PP-107, Hafizabad-III, PP-118 Mundi Bhuddin -III, PP-124 Sialkot-IV, PP-219 Khanewal-VIII, PP-229 Pakpattan-III, PP-243 DG Khan-IV, PP-258 Muzaffargarh-VIII, PP-277 Bhawalnagar-I, PP-295 Rahim Yar Khann, fresh seats PP-99 Gujranwala-IX, PP-70 Faisalabad-XX, PP-141 Lahore-V, PP-171 Nankana Sahib-II and PP-154 Lahore-XVIII.
Sindh Assembly seats are PS-30 Khairpur-II, PS-44 Matiari-cum Hyderabad (old Hyderabad-II) and PS-62 Tharparkar-III. In NWFP PF-20 Charsada-IV, PF-45 Abbottabad-II, PF-75 Lakki Marwat-II and PF-91 Upper Dir, PF-59 Battagram-I, PF-81 Swat-II, PF-92 Upper Dir-II, while constituencies for Balochistan Assembly are PB-9 Pishin-II, PB-32 Jhal Magsi and PB-44Lasbela-I.
APP ADDS: The new schedule of by-election can be revised if the federal government desires so, Secretary Election Commission (EC) of Pakistan Kanwar Muhammad Dilshad said on Monday.
Talking to PTV, he said the Election Commission is ready to reconsider the date of by-elections if provincial government reviews its reference. The report of provincial Election commission would be sought on latest situation there. Election commission values political parties and date can be revised on their advice.
He said Election commission was contemplating to extend the date for by-elections for the last two to three days. Home Secretary government of NWFP has sent an alarming letter to Election commission urging delay of the by-elections as bomb blasts are common in the province.
Security environment in NWFP is not good. Election commission decided to extend the date after consultation. The practice is quite common for the last few years. Whenever any provincial government expressed dissatisfaction over law and order situation the election is postponed there.
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