ECP Accuses PTI of Misleading Public on Possible Election Delay

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has clarified that it is ‘evaluating’ the situation following the Lahore High Court’s decision to annul the appointment of returning officers. The Commission maintains its readiness to conduct elections on February 8.

In a statement released on Thursday evening, the Commission’s spokesperson dismissed recent statements from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) regarding a potential election delay as an attempt to deceive the public. The statement emphasized that the ECP had initiated the training of returning officers (ROs), a crucial step preceding the issuance of the election schedule, as these officers play a key role in accepting and scrutinizing nomination papers.

However, the LHC’s ruling against the ROs in a petition filed by PTI has created a new scenario under review, the statement added. The ECP pledged to disclose its strategy on the matter ‘soon’ but clarified that the ECP cannot be held responsible for the current situation.

Responding to an ECP notification suspending the appointment of returning officers, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar labeled it as an attempt to postpone elections during a press conference in Islamabad. Gohar asserted that the PTI had consistently worked to ensure elections would be held on time, highlighting a written agreement with the president stipulating the election date as February 8.

Subsequently, the ECP issued another statement refuting claims attributed to it through ‘sources’ about approaching the Supreme Court soon. The Commission labeled such reports aired by ARY and other channels as baseless, reserving the right to take action against channels disseminating such information.

The ECP affirmed its commitment to a ‘comprehensive’ schedule for fair elections in the country, expressing determination to meet its targets on time.