“The decision to postpone the bye-elections has been taken after getting proper feedback from the Interior Ministry according to which Pakistan Army, Rangers, and the Frontier Corps are busy in relief work for the flood affected people, maintaining the internal security, and thwarting out terrorist activities in the country.”
By Staff Reporter
ISLAMABAD: Election authorities postponed bye-elections in 13 constituencies across the country on Thursday, citing devastating floods and security threats as reasons for the decision.
The Pakistan Election Commission said in a statement that because of the devastating flood, the government is unable to provide security at polling stations since several agencies, including the army, rangers, and FC are engaged in relief and rescue operations in affected areas.
Bye-elections were set for September 11, September 25, and October 2 in 13 constituencies in Punjab, Sindh, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces.
“It is the responsibility of the Election Commission to hold peaceful elections and the availability of Pakistan Army, Rangers, and Constabulary is necessary for the conduct of peaceful elections,” the commission stated.
“The decision to postpone the bye-elections has been taken after getting proper feedback from the Interior Ministry according to which Pakistan Army, Rangers, and the Frontier Corps are busy in relief work for the flood affected people, maintaining the internal security, and thwarting out terrorist activities in the country,” the statement said. “Ensuring peaceful elections is the prime responsibility and priority of the Election Commission for which services of the Pakistan Army, Rangers, and other security agencies were not available at the moment. Hence, the decision to postpone the by-election was taken in the best interest of the public so that a peaceful polling process can be ensured.”
The authorities also cited recent terror attacks in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as a justification for postponing the bye-elections.
Therefore, the elections in these constituencies have been postponed, and new dates will be notified in accordance with the schedule as soon as the situation improves, it added.
Former Prime Minister Imran Khan was running from nine National Assembly constituencies across three provinces.
The Pakistani government has already deployed army personnel to assist civil administrations in flood-stricken areas with ongoing relief efforts, as over 33 million people affected by the devastating flood since mid-June.
Polling in NA-22, Mardan, NA-24, Charsadda, NA-31, Peshawar, NA-45, Kurram, NA 108, Faisalabad, NA-118, Nankana Sahib, NA-237, Malir, NA-239, Korangi, and NA-246, Karachi was to be held on 25th of this month, while bye-election in PP-209, Khanewal was scheduled on 2nd of the next month.
The ECP said only the polling dates in the above-mentioned constituencies have been postponed, while all the other procedures and steps will be completed as per schedule.
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