The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Friday rejected the Sindh government’s notification to postpone the Local Government polls in Karachi & Hyderabad and ruled that the local bodies elections in Sindh will be held as per schedule by 15th January 2023.
Just two days before the elections due to the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan’s (MQM-P) reservations. The Sindh government late night Thursday move postponed the local government elections scheduled for 15th January 15 in Karachi, Hyderabad, and Dadu.
Also Read : ECP Seeking the help of Army & Rangers for conducting LG Polls in Karachi and Hyderabad
The decision to hold LG polls per schedule was taken in an important meeting of the ECP chaired by Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikandar Sultan Raja.
Rejecting the Sindh government’s request and notification, the Election Commission directed Interior Ministry to ensure the deployment of Rangers and Army on highly sensitive polling stations in Karachi and Hyderabad.
Following the ECP decision, the Sindh government has summoned an urgent meeting of its legal team to mull over options regarding the ECP order. The government has summoned a report from the chief secretary and secretary local body.
Remember here one thing In a late-night move on Thursday, the Sindh government withdrew the notification to delay Karachi and Hyderabad LG Polls and announced fresh delimitations by making amendments to Sindh Local Government Act (SLGA).
In light of the cabinet’s decision, the provincial government wrote a letter to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) under clause 10 of the Sindh LG Act.
While Talking to the media after the cabinet meeting, Sindh Information Minister Sharjeel Memon said that the cabinet chaired by CM Murad Ali Shah took important decisions, adding that elections cannot be held in Dadu and Mehar due to flood water.
He announced that LG polls are not going to be held in Karachi, Hyderabad, and Dadu on 15th January 2023. He added that LG elections in the remaining districts of Sindh will be held as per schedule.
