ECP dismisses PTI's request to hold by-polls on March 19
Pakistan
Holding elections on March 19 will lead to violation of constitution: sources
ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) dismissed on Friday a request of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) to hold by-elections on March 19.
As per the ECP sources, the by-elections will be held on March 16 and in this regard there will be a local holiday in the concerned constituencies. The electoral watchdog will pen a letter to the concerned provinces to declare the local holiday on March 16.
According to sources privy to the development, the ECP had to hold elections within 60 days, and by holding elections on March 19, there will be a violation of the constitution.
Read also: PTI asks ECP to revise by-polls schedule on 31 NA seats
On Wednesday, the PTI asked the ECP to hold by-elections for 31 National Assembly (NA) seats on March 19.
PTI Secretary General Asad Umar penned a letter to the electoral watchdog, saying the ECP had issued a schedule for the NA by-polls on a working day, during which the majority of the masses usually remain busy in their job routines, in public and private sectors.
Mr Umar was concerned that the holding of elections on Thursday would deprive the majority of voters of their right to vote.
Continuing to express his reservations, Mr Umar said, "Even with the declaration of the public holiday on March 16, there will be a negative impact on the voting turnout."
